Editor's note: Due to inclement weather on Monday, May 16, the ground-based elm spraying will now begin at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, and end at approximately 4 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18. The timing of the aerial application on May 17 is unchanged.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Beginning Monday, May 16, the Penn State Office of Physical Plant (OPP) will conduct its annual elm tree spraying program at University Park. Ground-based spraying will begin Monday night, May 16, at approximately 9 p.m. and aerial application by helicopter will take place in the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 17. Signage will be posted in the affected areas accompanied by ground personnel.
The Office of Physical Plant sprays the campus elm trees twice annually in May and July to slow the spread of Dutch elm disease and elm yellows, and to protect the remaining iconic elms on the University Park campus. These applications are timed to best control these diseases and benefit the elms, while being as minimally invasive as possible to the campus community and the trees’ diverse ecosystem.
OPP appreciates the campus community for understanding the need for aerial spraying and cooperating with this important program that aims to preserve the University's elm trees.