The City of Moose Jaw’s forestry and horticulture supervisor has confirmed 22 cases of Dutch elm disease in both private and public elm trees in the city this summer.
The city is now in the process of having the infected trees removed as soon as possible. Letters have been sent to residents who have trees infected with Dutch elm disease on their private property.
Dutch elm disease is a fungal infection spread by the elm bark beetle.
“What happens is when the beetle feeds on the elm wood, there is a chance for the spores of the fungus to attach to its body. When it goes from tree to tree, it spreads the disease,” said forestry and horticulture supervisor Nijil Martin.
One way to help stop the spread of Dutch elm disease, Martin said, is to adhere to the annual elm tree pruning ban, which runs from April 1 to Aug. 31.
“We should not prune any elm trees during this period, as the fresh pruning cuts are the main cause of attracting these bark beetles, and the bugs will spread the disease. It’s like a fire—once a tree gets [the disease], it’s so easy to spread to nearby trees,” Martin said.
He added that elm trees can still be pruned outside of the ban to help keep them healthy.
“Pruning can be done in the winter season, from September to March. As residents prune the trees during that period, it will help the trees stay in good shape and remain healthy,” he said.
Residents are also reminded that it is illegal in Saskatchewan to store, transport or use elm wood as firewood without a permit.
“Don’t buy, sell or store elm wood, because that is another safe place for the bark beetle to breed, and it will again spread the disease,” said Martin.
Symptoms of Dutch elm disease include leaves turning yellow or brown and beginning to curl or wilt on one or more branches—typically near the top of the tree.
If you suspect a tree may be infected, you are asked to contact the City of Moose Jaw’s Department of Parks and Recreation at 306-694-4447, or use the “Report an Issue” feature on the city’s website or mobile app.
More information about Dutch elm disease can be found on the Province of Saskatchewan’s Dutch elm disease web page.