PRUNING BAN FOR ELM TREES ENDS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

The provincial ban on pruning elm trees ends Tuesday, September 1, 2015.  Every year the ban is in place from April 1 to August 31 to ensure that elm bark beetles, which transmit Dutch elm disease (DED), were not attracted to freshly-pruned trees when the beetles are most active. 

The provincial DED regulations also restrict elm storage because elm wood, especially firewood, is the habitat for the elm bark beetle.  At any time of the year, elm branches, logs, and firewood must be taken to the nearest approved disposal site.  In Saskatoon, the landfill is the only site approved for elm disposal.  Movement of infected firewood is the most likely way that DED would be brought into Saskatoon. 

In July 2015, the first case of DED was identified in Saskatoon.  To contain the disease, the infected tree was removed.  By following the provincial regulations, and maintaining trees on your private property, all citizens can help prevent the spread of DED in Saskatoon. 

For more information, visit www.saskatoon.ca/trees  

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