Pruning ban for elm trees ends September 1
The province-wide pruning ban for elm trees ends Sunday, September 1. The pruning ban is in place each year from April 1 to August 31 to ensure that elm bark beetles, which transmit Dutch elm disease (DED), are not attracted to freshly pruned trees when the beetles are most active.
Provincial regulations also prohibit the storing, transport and use of elm wood for any purpose. This includes firewood, wood chips, wood slabs and branches. The only permitted movement of elm wood is to the City’s designated disposal site at the City Landfill.
Elm trees make up about 25% of Saskatoon's urban forest. This summer, the City confirmed a case of DED in the Varsity View area. As part of the City's DED Response Plan, the infected tree was immediately removed and disposed of at the City Landfill. The City will continue surveillance and testing of public and private elm trees in the surrounding areas with an intensive search for elm material and other sources of infection.
You can help prevent Dutch elm disease by:
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Never storing elm wood or branches. Don’t buy or take elm wood from anyone and don’t burn it.
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Not pruning elms during the provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31)
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Disposing of elm wood at the Saskatoon Landfill. Do not take elm to the compost depot or put it in your green bin. Dispose of it immediately, even if it is during the provincial ban! Residents are now able to dispose of elm wood at the Landfill at no cost (for loads up to 1,000kg) through to the end of the year.
How to identify and report unhealthy elm trees
American elm trees with DED may start showing symptoms as early as June. Typically, the leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow out of season from June to mid-August, then curl and turn brown. Anyone suspecting that an elm tree is unhealthy is encouraged to complete the online form at saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease or call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890.
By following the provincial regulations and maintaining elm trees on your private property, all residents can help prevent the spread of DED in Saskatoon.
For more information on DED, visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease