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  2. NO FURTHER DUTCH ELM DISEASE FOUND TO DATE

NO FURTHER DUTCH ELM DISEASE FOUND TO DATE

For immediate release: August 11, 2015 - 8:52 am
CY15-172

So far, no more Saskatoon trees have been found to have Dutch elm disease (DED) since one tree tested positive for DED in the Queen Elizabeth neighbourhood on July 21, 2015.

 Since that time, the City engaged its aggressive DED Response Plan, which included removal of the tree that tested positive for the disease.   Our crews have also finished the surveillance within the 1 kilometre radius around the infected tree.

In the 1 kilometre area around the infected tree, 9 elm trees were sampled and all were negative.  To date, 43 trees have been sampled in Saskatoon.

 Additionally the City has:

  • Identified and cleaned up 12 elm wood storage infractions within the 1 kilometer area around the infected tree site.
  • Trained an additional crew for increased surveillance.
  • Updated the City website and created an online form for the public to submit information about trees suspected of DED.
  • Contacted the province to see what assistance may be available.

 DED is a serious disease of the American elm and was introduced into North America in the 1930’s.  It has wiped out millions of elms across Canada and the United States.

 DED has been present in Saskatchewan since the 1980’s and Saskatoon has remained free of it until July of this year.

 American elm trees with DED may start showing symptoms as early as the month of June.  Typically, the leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. Residents who start to notice any of these symptoms are encouraged to call City of Saskatoon Pest Management at 306-975-3300Image removed..

 Residents can help prevent DED by:

  • Not pruning elms during provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31.
  • Not storing or transporting any elm firewood (Provincial regulations prohibit the storing or transporting of elm firewood).
  • Disposing of all elm wood at the City Landfill.

More information on DED, including pruning deadline information, is available at www.saskatoon.ca.

 For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.