A dead elm tree is a threat to all the other elm trees in the neighbourhood.  

Because dead wood is an ideal breeding ground for the elm bark beetle and the DED fungus, disposal of dead limbs and trees must be done properly and quickly.

If you have a dead elm, first remove the major limbs and proceed to cut down the tree.
Remember taking trees down is not a job for the amateur. Call a tree removal company. Some municipalities offer disposal services for large trees.  

Wood should be burned immediately. It should not be stored. Some communities have strict by-laws prohibiting the storage and transportation of elm firewood.

If there is insufficient space for burning, the wood can be buried.