​Trees in Rice Cemetery in Elkhart, IN, were cut down due to verticillium wilt, a disease causing discoloration and wilt of branches. The fungus causing this disease spreads through roots. Many trees in the cemetery have been marked with a red dot and will be removed. If all goes well, new younger trees will take their place in the fall. If you have witnessed verticillium wilt, please notify the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Resources
Rice Cemetery Trees Cut Down Due to Verticillium Wilt as Elkhart Forestry Workers Fight to Save Those Left, The Elkhart Truth
Verticillium Wilt of Shade Trees, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Diseases in Hardwood Tree Plantings, The Education Store
Forest Health Informer, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
How to Check for Verticillium Wilt, July “In The Grow” (Q&A), Indiana Yard and Garden – Purdue Consumer Horticulture
What are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, (What to do if you see any disease) Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources Got Nature? Blog

Diana Evans, Extension and Web Communication Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources