The ban for pruning Elm Trees is now in effect and will remain this way until August 31.
The purpose of this ban is to help stop the spread of Dutch Elm disease (DED) in elm trees across the Prairies.
DED is fungus-caused disease, spread by tiny elm bark beetles that breed under the bark of dead or dying elm wood. If that wood contains the DED fungus, each new generation of beetles can infect healthy elms. The beetles are most active during the months of April to August, so reducing the number of fresh cuts will help to reduce the spread of DED.
According to a Government of Saskatchewan media release, if your elm tree is struck by lightning, or damaged by wind and therefore needs pruning during the ban, you can prune the tree and immediately dispose of the branches/cuts. The RM of Kindersley should be contacted in order to direct the proper disposal of the clipped branches.
Because it is very easy to transport elm bark beetles unwittingly on elm firewood, it is illegal to transport, store or buy elm firewood. Some other ways you can help to stop the spread DED are as follows:
- Do keep your own elm trees healthy
- Do report signs of DED to your municipal authority
- Do remove and dispose of the tree promptly if DED is confirmed
- Don’t prune elm trees from April 1 to August 31
- Don’t buy, sell, store, transport or use elm firewood—it’s illegal!
Feature Image: File Image
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