The Haruch family enjoys its trees and plants, and especially that elm tree, which provided much needed shade for their front porch during the summer.
But, when the tree developed Dutch Elm Disease, the family had to make the decision to let it go.
Dutch Elm is a common disease, said Cindy Burskey, agriculture and natural resources educator with the Butler County Ohio State University Extension office. The elm bark beetle caries the fungal disease and passes it when it burrows in the tree branches.
The Haruch family named the tree “Rameumpton,” a Book of Morman name meaning “large to exceed all.”
The tree is about 25 percent taller than the house. Connie Haruch guessed the tree to be about 30 feet tall. The crew removing the tree told her it’s likely 80 to 90 years old.
It took four men with their arms spread to surround the tree.
The family became aware the tree was sick when bark kept on falling off.
“It’s like losing a part of the family,” said John Haruch, 74.
Parts of the elm not infected will be turned into various keepsakes, such as wooden bowls and a cutting board. A wooden cane will be made for John Haruch.
Connie Haruch said elm wood is historically very practical and useful.
Burskey said maintenance is the best prevention for any tree disease. Regular maintenance should include pruning dead or weakened branches and limbs and spraying trees with insecticide and fungicide.
“The key thing is watch your tree and be vigilant,” Burskey said.
Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.
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