Record Dutch elm disease cases identified: City urges action for “ecological emergency’”

The City of Saskatoon has confirmed a record 12 positive cases of Dutch Elm Disease (DED) . These cases are widespread and not concentrated in any particular neighbourhood. In addition to the lab-confirmed cases, there are an additional seven trees elm inspectors have identified with very evident DED symptoms and will be removed proactively as a precaution These figures represent the greatest-ever number of DED cases in Saskatoon.

“We cannot be clearer than this: DO NOT store elm wood on your property,” says Thai Hoang, Director of Parks. “Keeping elm wood – whether it is to burn in your fire pit or for other uses – threatens our historic tree canopy which we all love so much. About a quarter of our urban forest is elm. This is not a minor issue—it is an ecological emergency.”

DED is a devastating and aggressive fungal infection that poses a critical threat to elm populations worldwide. Once introduced, it spreads rapidly often killing mature trees within a single growing season. The disease has already decimated millions of elms across North America and Europe, erasing entire urban canopies and altering ecosystems. Its impact is irreversible without swift and strategic intervention. Failure to act not only endangers the survival of these iconic trees but also compromises biodiversity, soil stability, and the aesthetic and environmental value of our communities.

City Council increased the Parks budget to prevent the spread of DED, but Hoang reminds Saskatoon residents they also have a role to play–by checking their properties for elm wood.

City staff have already disposed of 8720 kg of elm wood during neighbourhood sweeps in areas affected by previous DED tree removals. That’s more than the average weight of an African elephant, highlighting the scale and urgency of the response.

Hoang says typically the leaves on American elm trees with DED will start to wilt and turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. He says if anyone suspects an unhealthy elm tree or are unsure of what type of firewood they have, they can take a photo and complete the online form or call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890.

Residents can help prevent Dutch elm disease by:

• Never storing elm wood or branches. Don’t buy or take elm wood from anyone and don’t burn it.

• Following the provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31). Elm bark beetles are attracted to freshly cut wood and are most active during this time period.

• Disposing of elm wood at the Saskatoon Landfill. All disposal of elm wood at the Landfill is free.

• Do not take elm to the Compost Depot or put it in your green bin. Dispose of it immediately at the Saskatoon Landfill.

“We’re getting a better idea of how the Saskatoon landscape would change if DED were to keep progressing, but it can be curtailed; get rid of elm wood and if you’re not sure what you have, send us a picture.”

The City has already initiated its DED Response Plan, which includes: 

• Immediate removal of the positive tree(s) and disposal at the City landfill 

• Increased surveillance of the surrounding area to search for stored elm wood 

• Sampling of symptomatic trees within one kilometre of the infected tree 

• Continuing regular elm surveillance and cyclical pruning of trees in parks and on boulevards