Dutch elm disease is an extremely virulent fungal disease that causes trees to wilt and die. It is transferred from tree to tree through root grafting or via the elm bark beetle.
An infected beetle was trapped on the maunga in early January and subsequent tests identified several trees showing signs of the disease. The council has an ongoing monitoring and trapping programme in place for the elm bark beetle.
Auckland Council Arboriculture and Landscape Advisor, Simon Cook, says staff are working under the direction of the Maunga Authority to ensure the careful removal of the trees.
"Dutch elm disease can spread quickly and it is nearly always fatal for the affected trees so we take every precaution to ensure we remove the trees carefully and contain the threat of the disease spreading any further afield."
It is also a timely reminder for all Aucklanders to check elm trees on their properties for signs of the disease.
The council is also monitoring trees in Gifford Road, Papatoetoe after three infected trees were removed earlier this week.
Elms are deciduous Northern Hemisphere trees distinguished by their large leaves, which feature serrated edges, symmetrical veins, and an asymmetrical base. Signs to look out for include wilting, curling or yellowing of leaves or dying or dead branches on elm trees.
Under the Biosecurity Act 1993, the fungus is an 'unwanted organism' so Auckland Council is obliged to undertake every reasonable effort to destroy the fungus once found.
"Do not be tempted to use the timber for firewood either," says Mr Cook. "Elm wood cannot be stored, elm material cannot be moved in or out of the Auckland area between the Bombay Hills and Albany, and cannot be brought into or sold at nurseries in the region," he says.