The City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA) is actively continuing its mission to combat Dutch Elm Disease, a threat that has endangered American Elm Trees since the 1970s. In partnership with the City’s contractor, the RPCA Urban Forestry team is treating public elm trees to preserve their natural beauty, provide much-needed shade, and maintain their vital ecological role.

Over the coming weeks, 32 American Elm Trees have been carefully selected for treatment based on their size, health, and overall condition, ensuring the most effective and proactive care possible.

Certified technicians will administer treatment using advanced methods — either the Tree IV or Capsule System — which deliver Propiconazole fungicide directly into the trees. Each treatment session lasts between one to six hours, with a technician remaining on-site throughout the process. This fungicide protects against Dutch Elm Disease by traveling upward through the tree’s vascular system, much like a straw drawing liquid. Both treatment options avoid spraying, posing no risk to our community members and surrounding soil or wildlife, as the fungicide is fully absorbed within the tree itself.

Protecting these majestic trees is essential—not only for their historical and aesthetic value but also for the important ecological benefits they provide. By investing in their health today, we ensure their longevity and help avoid costly tree removals in the future.

For more information, please contact Oscar Mendoza, Natural Resources Division Chief, at 703.746.5496 or email at Oscar.mendoza@alexandriava.gov. 

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact jackie.person@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5423, Virginia Relay 711. 

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available. Please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.