Campus Life

Office of Physical Plant to spray University Park elms May 18-19

American elms along Pugh Street Mall on Penn State's University Park campus. The trees are sprayed each year in an effort to slow the spread of both Dutch elm disease and elm yellows. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Office of Physical Plant will conduct its annual elm spray this weekend, May 18-19, at University Park. Spraying will begin from the ground at approximately 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, and will continue with an aerial application by helicopter from 5:30 to 7 a.m. on Sunday, May 19. Both applications are weather permitting, and signage will be posted in the affected areas.

This is the first of two elm sprayings planned for this spring and summer, with a second application scheduled for July.

The Office of Physical Plant sprays the trees each year in an effort to slow the spread of both Dutch elm disease and elm yellows, and to protect the remaining iconic elms on the University Park campus. OPP thanks the campus community for understanding the need and cooperating with this important program aimed at preserving the campus’ elm trees.

Last Updated June 18, 2021