Over the past month, Central Park has removed nine of its elm trees from the grounds because of the deadly Dutch elm disease, according to the Central Park Conservancy.
The disease, which surfaces in the warmer months, is a highly contagious fungus and while there is no cure for it, there are ways to prevent it from spreading.
Thus far the Conservancy's tree care crew has removed nine of the infected trees which were all located in the northern sector of Central Park.
The disease is visible by the wilting and yellowing of leaves on the infected tree's branches. As the infection progresses, the leaves and branches die before the entire tree succumbs to the disease.
Last summer, more than 37 elm trees were inflicted with Dutch elm disease and unfortunately, the Conservancy believes that Central Park may see the same number in 2010.