Elm trees around the province have been falling victim to Dutch Elm disease but the problem is particularly prominent in the eastern half of Saskatchewan.

Early detection and removal of the trees is crucial to controlling the spread of Dutch Elm disease, which is spread by elm bark beetles. The province’s DED program manages wild elm trees in buffer zones established around high risk communities, including Balcarras, Estevan, Indian Head, Melfort, Moose Jaw, Regina, Tisdale and Wolseley.

A Regina-based company has been hired to do the removal of diseased trees. Survey contractors mark the trees for removal, and the Northern Tree Inc will remove them in the fall and early winter.

The province reminds residents that it’s illegal to transport, store, or buy elm firewood. It’s not against most community bylaws to prune elm trees between April 1 and August 31.