Fortis Visio to treat the Old Elm in Sliven

The Municipality of Sliven has commissioned Fortis Visio to carry out a health assessment of the Old Elm in the town of Sliven, which won the “European Tree of the Year 2014” competition.

The survey of the health condition of the Old Elm will cover several main activities:

• assessment of the nutrient status;
• phytopathological and dendrochronological analysis;
• analysis of the degree of decay in the trunk and branches.

Proven experts with many years of experience are engaged in the project – Prof. Dr. Elena Zheleva and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stefan Mirchev from the University of Forestry.

The first survey activities were carried out on 05.06.2014. Samples were taken to determine the presence of nutrients in the soil, as well as leaf samples, which will be used to determine the nutrients taken up by the Old Elm.

A macroscopic assessment of the degree of crown defoliation and an inspection for leaf damage were carried out. A phytopathological analysis was also performed for symptoms of tracheomycosis (Dutch elm disease). To establish the extent of the wood-decay process in the trunk and branches and to identify growth depressions over recent decades, a dendrochronological study was carried out using increment core samples of the Old Elm’s annual rings.

An analysis of the extent of decay processes in the Old Elm will be carried out by the world-renowned German expert Dr. Frank Rinn using specialised equipment.

The data obtained upon completion of the entire survey will be processed and analysed. The results will be compiled in a report to be submitted to the Municipality of Sliven.

This will make it possible to plan and carry out the necessary stabilisation and restoration measures to improve the health condition of the Old Elm.