photos from City of Saskatoon

The provincial ban on pruning elm trees takes effect on Tuesday and will continue through the end of August.

The ban on pruning is one measure in the toolbox to keep Dutch elm disease in check.

One in every four trees in Saskatoon is an elm. The disease is spread by several species of elm bark beetles. Infected trees may start showing symptoms as early as June.

More information is below in the City of Saskatoon news release.

What is Dutch Elm Disease (DED)?

DED is a serious disease caused by a fungus that clogs the elm tree’s water and nutrient conducting system, which eventually causes the tree to die. DED has wiped out millions of elms across Canada and the United States.

How to identify and report unhealthy elm trees and firewood

Elm trees with DED may start showing symptoms as early as June. Typically, the leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. If you suspect an unhealthy elm tree or are unsure of what type of firewood you have, take a photo and complete the online form at saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease or call 306-975-2476.

How is DED spread?

In Saskatchewan, the disease is spread by several species of elm bark beetles. These beetles can fly farther than two kilometres in search of elm trees. The DED fungus has tiny spores that stick to the body of the beetle. Elm bark beetles can carry these spores and infect other elm trees. The fungus can also be spread by infected pruning tools.

You can help prevent DED by:

• Not pruning elms during the provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31)
• Not bringing elm wood into the city, storing elm wood for more than a day, or burning elm firewood
• Only disposing of elm wood at the City Landfill
• Sanitizing tools after working on elm trees
• Not building treehouses in elm trees, as the nail and screw holes can attract elm bark beetles
• Reporting dead or dying elm trees or branches to the City or to a professional arborist

To prune elm trees during the ban you must obtain a permit and are asked to call the City’s Parks Department at 306-975-2890 for more information. 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