Committee members raised concerns about the health of an American elm in front of the Philomath library at the Oct. 17 meeting, saying limbs are flagging and leaves are dying in a pattern that can indicate Dutch elm disease. Public works staff and a certified arborist discussed diagnostics and next steps.

Why it matters: Dutch elm disease is a vascular pathogen that causes progressive decline and can spread via elm bark beetles. If confirmed, management options include removal to limit beetle population growth or selective pruning if infection is minimal. Any removal or major pruning has public safety and budget implications.

What was decided and next steps

- Initial assessment: Committee members described dead or dying limbs and recalled an earlier partial removal; staff said a volunteer had previously arranged to inspect the tree but the inspection did not occur.

- Diagnostic sampling: A certified arborist offered to climb or otherwise access the canopy to collect branch samples for on‑site inspection. Staff noted that branch sampling and preliminary assessment can often identify characteristic streaking in the sapwood; if visual inspection is inconclusive, samples can be sent to OSU Extension for laboratory confirmation at a cost typically under $100.

- Safety and logistics: The committee discussed the need to avoid pruning during the beetles’ active season and noted that the city bucket truck is currently out of service; the arborist offered to donate time to perform sampling and to coordinate with public works to ensure parking and work‑zone safety.

Staff will coordinate the initial on‑site assessment and testing plan with the tree board and public works operations and will report back to the committee with test results and management recommendations. No formal removal decision was made at the meeting.