August 7, 2025
Source: Reddit
One morning, a perplexed backyard scene made a Reddit user scratch their head. Two car batteries wired up to a garbage can, a few tubes going toward a large old tree, and some interesting humming noises—what in the world was happening next door?
“I’m 99% certain that tree has Dutch elm disease,” they said as they posted a picture of the setup. At that point, the internet sleuthing began.
What appeared to be a complicated DIY science project was, in reality, something much more thoughtful: the treatment of a Dutch elm disease in progress.
A High-Tech Lifeline for an Old Tree
The odd setup was, in fact, the professional equipment. Being used to inject fungicide directly into the root system of an elm tree. A nearby company had been contracted to try to save the tree from Dutch elm disease. A fungal disease that has decimated millions of American elms in the last century.
The car batteries? Likely used to power a pump system that takes the treatment from the garbage can through the tubes and into the tree. This type of injection method is called macro-infusion. It is one of the most effective ways to get the protective treatment deep into the tree vascular system.
A Community Moment
As the story got around, something delightful happened. A worker from the company doing the treatment saw the Reddit post, recognized the setup, and came over to explain it all to the homeowner’s wife. He shared that the entire company had a laugh about the viral story, and appreciated the concern and wonder.
It isn’t everyday a fungus-fighting pump system is the talk of the neighborhood, but it highlights just how connected we are to the quiet giants of our backyards.
A Fight Worth Fighting
Treatment for Dutch elm disease may not be glamorous, but it is serious business. Mature elms are often decades- if not centuries- old; they provide immense beauty, shade, and nostalgia to neighborhoods. Losing one feels like losing a piece of the soul of the landscape.
So props to their neighbor, who did not give up on their tree; and thanks to a couple batteries, some tubing, and a good dose of science, it may just be saved.
