Released on September 8, 2009
The annual restriction on pruning all types of elm trees has been lifted.
Each year, pruning of elm trees is prohibited from early spring to the end of summer in order to reduce the risk of Dutch elm disease. The elm bark beetles that spread the deadly disease are most active during this period and fresh cuts attract them.
Regular pruning, outside the ban period, helps keep trees healthy and better able to resist all types of diseases, including Dutch elm disease. Removing dead wood also makes trees less attractive to elm bark beetles.
Because of the risk of spreading Dutch elm disease, transporting or storing elm firewood is illegal. Any elm wood should be disposed of promptly, using the method and locations chosen by each municipality.
For more information about Dutch elm disease or to report a suspicious tree, call 1-800-SASK ELM or your local municipal office.
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For more information, contact:
Val Nicholson
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-2459
Email: val.nicholson@gov.sk.ca