Call to help eradicate Elm Leaf BeetleControl spraying program to protect Elm Trees against the Elm Leaf Beetle. By Latrobe City Council - 24th January 2001 - Back to News Latrobe City Council will recommence its control spraying program this weekend to protect the City’s Elm Trees against the Elm Leaf Beetle, and is urging Latrobe Citizens to spray Elms on private property to enhance the eradication.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Tony Hanning said the Elm Leaf Beetle had the potential to devastate Victoria’s population of Elms every year and in many parts of the State, particularly the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, irretrievable damage had been caused.
“Whilst the Council will undertake its annual mission to help protect the region’s elm trees in parks and streets, we are encouraging everyone to follow the call to arms and take measures to protect their own trees. The need for all to take responsibility is imperative for the ongoing health of trees throughout the region,” Cr Hanning said.
Latrobe City's Arborist in charge, Chris Dash, said the Elm Leaf Beetle was a native of Europe which was first found in Australia on the Mornington Peninsula in 1989.
“Since then it has threatened to devastate Victoria’s entire population of elms including the golden and English elms, which in Melbourne attract tourists from all over the world,” Mr Dash said.
“This is a crucial time for taking preventative action against the Elm Leaf Beetle, a time when the larvae of the beetle travel down the trunk to pupate in the soil to complete their life cycle. This is when control measures are applied, breaking the life-cycle, thus assisting in reducing the numbers of beetles and consequently the damage caused to the elms,” Mr Dash explained.
“To treat your own trees, mix a 2% of carbaryl with water and spray around the trunk in a one-metre band up from the ground, going around the trunk several times to ensure a good covering,” Mr Dash said.
“Be sure not to miss any low branches under the area you have already treated where you feel beetle larvae could congregate,” he added.
“Carbaryl is a contact insecticide available from most nurseries and hardware stores, and is considered by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment as the appropriate and safest measure to control this type of larvae infestation,” Mr Dash concluded.
Cr Hanning added that Latrobe City currently maintained over 70,000 trees, of which 3,000 are various elm species.
“We are very proud of our trees and the way the trees have been maintained for the benefit of future generations,” Cr Hanning concluded.
If not sure how to treat your own elm trees for elm leaf beetle infestation, contact the Latrobe City Council’s Morwell Depot, telephone 5133 9952 or 5134 3681.
Media Enquiries:
Cr. Tony Hanning, Mayor, Latrobe City
tel. 0417 373 577
Cr. Brendan Jenkins, Deputy Mayor, Latrobe City
tel. 0417 374 590
Ms. Penny Holloway, Chief Executive Officer,
tel. 5173 1401 or 0417 557 103
Jeremy Bein, Public Relations and Communications Officer,
tel. 5173 1468
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com
Related Articles- Kickstart your career locally with Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program send applications by 26 January 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program offers young people and career returners real-world experience, Certificate III qualifications, flexible work, and pathways to permanent roles across seven diverse disciplines. - Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances. - Join the conversation and help shape South Gippsland and other council projects, programs and initiatives
Join the conversation this spring! Share your ideas on South Gippsland's future through community consultations, including Pre-Prep, Draft Plans, Governance Rules, and the 2026/27 Budget. - Free visitor information materials help East Gippsland businesses guide visitors quickly and easily summer
East Gippsland Shire Council is providing free QR-code posters, stickers and magnets to help businesses quickly connect visitors with maps, attractions, events and essential information via the Visit East Gippsland website. - Bass Coast Shire Council invites community to help shape the next stage of Climate Action Plan at Berninneit in Cowes 25 October 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to a Climate Action Plan Review Workshop to reflect on progress, share ideas, and help shape the next five years of local climate action. - Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs. - Bass Coast announces fee-free green waste period to help residents prepare for upcoming fire season
Bass Coast residents can dispose of domestic green waste for free from 1 - 23 November 2025, helping the community prepare properties and reduce fire hazards ahead of the summer season. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to donate early to Giving Trees and help bring Christmas joy to foster children
Gippslanders are encouraged to donate early to A Better Life for Foster Kids' Giving Trees, helping ensure every child in out-of-home care receives a Christmas gift this festive season. - Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program. - Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join Biodiversity Blitz and help shape first nature plan from 1-30 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council invites residents to celebrate Biodiversity Month by joining the Biodiversity Blitz, recording local species, attending walk-and-talk events, and contributing ideas to shape the region's first Nature Plan. - David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes. - Blue Rock Lake foreshore track to be protected with erosion control and revegetation works
Erosion control works at Blue Rock Lake will protect 130 metres of foreshore track, ensure continued access, and support lake health, with community planting to restore native vegetation and fish habitat.
|
