The seasonal ban on elm tree pruning came to an end Sunday in Saskatchewan.

The province prohibits the pruning of elm trees during the spring and summer to reduce the risk of Dutch Elm Disease (DED) between trees. That’s mainly spread through elm bark beetles, which carry the fungus which causes DED. Those beetles are most active from April to August, oftentimes attracted to healthy elm trees due to the scent released by them during pruning.

Elm trees make up about 25 per cent 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 province reminds people that it’s illegal to transport, use, or store elm firewood in Saskatchewan. Do not put elm wood in your green bin, dispose of it immediately. Saskatoon residents are now able to dispose of elm wood at the Landfill at no cost (for loads up to 1,000kg) until the end of the year.