The Town of Assiniboia has confirmed some recent cases of Dutch Elm disease in trees in town.
The town’s tree contractor will be removing the town-owned trees beginning the week of July 24 on the 500 block of Third Avenue East.
The town is taking this measure to prevent the spread of Dutch Elm disease. Further inspection revealed some private properties also had the disease. The office will be in contact with these property owners to make them aware of the situation and to provide information for addressing this situation.
Provincial regulation prohibits pruning elm trees between April 1 to August 31 to help minimize the risk of spreading the disease. The town is also asking campers not to bring firewood back to Assiniboia from any location. Some may have existing piles of firewood in their yards and not know that the wood is carrying the disease. Anyone with questions about their wood can call for assistance 306-642-5008.
Dutch Elm disease is caused by a fungus spread by tiny elm bark beetles that breed under the bark of dead or dying elm wood. If that wood contains the DED fungus, each new generation of beetles can infect healthy elms. Provincial regulations prohibit pruning of elm trees from April 1 to August 31 each year when the beetles are most active. They are attracted to the fresh cuts, increasing the chance of infection.
Some signs of Dutch Elm disease can be spotted in late June to mid-July such as flagging and staining. In flagging, the leaves of one or more branches near the top of the tree may wilt, curl, turn yellow and then brown, remaining on the tree. An infected twig sample will have red streaks through the sapwood. Lab testing can confirm DED. The Ministry of Agriculture’s Crop Protection Laboratory provides free DED testing to Saskatchewan residents.
Dutch Elm disease can be prevented by keeping elm trees healthy, not pruning elm trees between April 1 to August 31, reporting signs of the disease to municipal authorities, not purchasing, selling, storing and transporting elm firewood, which is illegal. Trees identified as having the disease should be removed and disposed of promptly.
