Hello Julie, from Oak Park tree historian & Openlands volunteer Treekeeper #1326 Its 2023, and you may have submitted your question a decade or so ago.
First, thank you for your ongoing conservation effort. Especially managing against DED. Still hoping for the best, while preparing for the worst. indeed we will never witness true American elms ever again reach Full maturity 180-220 or those Few which surpass 300 year Lifespan.
It is important to know if any elm tree is considered infected by Dutch Elm Disease. Wood needs to be disposed of properly. Specifically debarked or buried under tarp where elm bark beetles which vector fatal vascular disease can not have access to.
Now as a professional Arborist, we’ve learned that dying Tree wood emits a sweet but pungent scent That others might not find favorable to re-utilize.
That had never been a problem when at least a dozen times in Oak Parks past. procuring a bottom Slice of trunk wood termed “Cookie” having been preserved and donated to closest grammar school or Local satellite or main library where it can become a teaching tool.
