The final day of the ban on pruning elm trees is coming up. So the long weekend, starting on Monday, September 1 is a great time to add that annual pruning to the yard work list.
A release from the provincial Environment Ministry states that the ban is in place from April 1 to August 31 each year to help reduce the risk of spreading Dutch Elm Disease (DED), a fungus spread by elm bark beetles that kills elm trees. Fresh cuts from pruning can attract the beetles and spread the disease to healthy trees.
Pruning within the allowable dates helps keep trees healthy and disease resistant, and that includes DED. Removing dead wood makes trees less attractive to elm bark beetles and other pests. With leaves still on the trees, dead branches are easier to spot, and the early fall weather is ideal for tree maintenance.
Correct pruning of trees is important to maintaining their health and should be conducted by someone who is trained under a provincial program, states the release.
It’s also important to dispose of trimmed wood at a designated municipal location at the earliest possible opportunity. For more information, or if you suspect an elm tree may have DED, call the Ministry of Environment's Inquiry Centre at 1-800-567-4224.