The province is following Prince Albert’s lead in warning about the upcoming Elm tree pruning ban. Prince Albert issued the warning on Wednesday; the province is doing it today. The ban runs from April 1st to August 31st. the goal is to curb the spread of Dutch elm disease.

Things you can do to help protect your community’s elm trees:
• Prune your elms before or after the ban period to keep them healthy and better able to resist all types of disease, including DED.
• Remove unhealthy and dead elm wood cuts, reducing places for beetles to breed and the risk of infection.
• If you see an elm showing signs of DED – wilting, yellowing leaves on one or several branches near the top of the tree, usually beginning in late June – report it to your local municipality.
• Remove and dispose of DED-infected elms promptly, including during the ban period.
Transporting wood can spread DED, as well as other insects and diseases. It is illegal to use, transport, store or sell elm firewood. Regulations also restrict the use, transport, storage and sale of elm logs. Dispose of all elm wood promptly and properly, at the location designated by your municipality. Often, this is the local landfill, but confirm this with your local municipality.

Improper pruning can damage your trees and spread diseases. If you hire someone to prune your trees, check their qualifications. In Saskatchewan, those who prune elm trees commercially must have completed a recognized training program or be under the supervision of someone who has.

For more information, contact your local municipality or the Ministry of Environment Inquiry Centre at 1-800-567-4224, or go here.