Our work with Elm trees

As part of our Plant Your Postcode project in Brighton we are working to protect elms from disease. Elm disease is a fungal disease that is spread by beetles. It is fatal and can kill a tree within weeks.

In Brighton, more than a third of the trees are elms. The city is also home to the National Elm Collection, and we have many elms of historic value. Sadly, we are losing more of these beautiful trees every year.

But there is hope! Over the past four years Brighton & Hove City Council has been vaccinating elms with Dutch Trig. In 2026, 1,800 elms were vaccinated.

The council doesn’t have enough money to vaccinate all our elms but with your help we can increase the number of trees being protected. If you’re interested in vaccinating a tree email info@cpresussex.org.uk

Here are some other ways you can help stop the spread of elm disease:

• Support our stump replacement work across the city.
• Don’t buy elm logs or bring them into the city.
• Report diseased elms directly to the council.