The annual ban on pruning elm trees in Saskatchewan has ended.
Starting Sept. 1, homeowners can start pruning their elm trees.
The province bans elm tree pruning between April 1 and Aug. 31 each year to reduce the risk of Dutch elm disease (DED).
This is the period when elm bark beetles are most active, and they are attracted to the fresh cuts.
DED is caused by a fungus that clogs the elm tree’s water conducting system, which can cause the tree to die within one or two seasons.
READ MORE: Three cases of Dutch elm disease reported in Regina in 2016
Three cases of Dutch elm disease were reported in Regina this year, and 94 trees have been removed since 1981 when DED was first reported in the city.
Saskatoon reported its first case of DED in 2015.
READ MORE: Dutch elm disease found in Saskatoon tree
Regular pruning helps keeps elm trees healthy and better able to resist all types of disease, including DED.
The removal of dead branches also makes the trees less attractive to the beetles.
It is illegal to transport or store elm firewood as that can attract the beetles.
Elm wood should be disposed of promptly, either by burning it or burying it in a location approved by a local municipality.
Comments