The elm tree pruning ban is in effect as of today. It lasts until August 31st. Provincial regulations prohibit the pruning of elm trees for several months every year to make sure elm bark beetles which spread Dutch elm disease, are not attracted to freshly pruned elms when the beetles are most active.

Provincial regulations also prevent the storage, transport and use of elm wood. The only time your allowed to move elm wood is when you’re taking it to the designated disposal site at the City Landfill.

The most recent case of Dutch elm disease in Saskatoon was in September last year and the tree was immediately removed. Early symptoms of the disease typically appear by July when the leaves on one or more branches wilt, curl, turn yellow and die. DED has wiped out millions of elms across Canada and the United States.