Vermont Elm Tree, Largest in New England, Dies of Dutch Elm Disease

An old Vermont elm tree, believed to be the largest of its kind in New England, has died due to Dutch elm disease.

The tree, located in Charlotte, Vermont, was 19 feet 4 inches in circumference and stood 109 feet tall, The Associated Press reported. It was removed Tuesday.

Dutch elm disease is the fungus that spread during the early 20th century and destroyed most of the elm trees in North America.

Property owner David Garrett says the venerable elm tree, estimated at 175 to 200 years old, was a local "monument."

The elm tree's wood will be used to make furniture and other items, and sale proceeds will be used to help The Nature Conservancy's efforts to restore the elm population by developing disease-resistant strains of the trees.

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