Grassroots effort to save Sacramento's elm trees enlists 'community scientists' Some of the largest and most historic trees in Sacramento, the city of trees, are elms. But they are threatened by the fatal Dutch elm disease. Author: Luke Cleary Updated: 5:57 PM PDT May 13, 2021 SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Tree Foundation is enlisting "community scientists" to help protect some of the largest and most historic trees in the "City of Trees." Elm trees offer shade and other health benefits, but are threatened by the fatal Dutch elm disease, a fungal infection that quickly spreads by bugs or through roots. With its Save the Elms program, the foundation trains neighbors to watch out for signs of the disease, then report any concerns using an app.