Pruning ban for elm trees ends today
The province-wide pruning ban for elm trees ends today, Thursday, 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 wood chips, firewood, 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. Last year, the City confirmed its third case of DED since 2015 in an elm tree located in Leif Erickson Park in the Westmount neighbourhood. 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 area with an intensive search for elm material and other sources of infection.
The most effective management strategy for DED is to not transport or store elm wood. Infected firewood is the most likely way that DED would be brought into Saskatoon. In addition, keeping elm trees healthy by regularly watering and properly removing and disposing of dead and dying branches will deprive the elm bark beetle of its habitat.
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.