Saskatchewan property owners can start pruning their elm trees on September 1.
The annual ban on pruning elm trees is in place to reduce the risk of spreading Dutch elm disease (DED), a fungus that kills elm trees.
The tiny elm bark beetles carrying DED are most active during the ban period. Fresh cuts from pruning can attract the insects to healthy trees.
Regular pruning is important to keep elms healthy and less vulnerable to diseases, including DED.
Removing dead branches makes trees less attractive to elm bark beetles. The weather in early autumn can be ideal for tree maintenance and it’s easier to see and remove dead or unhealthy branches with leaves still on the trees.
Whether the trees are pruned by the owners or by hire, it’s important to do the job properly. If done incorrectly, pruning can damage surrounding trees and spread DED and other diseases.
Under provincial regulations, individuals pruning elm trees commercially must have completed a recognized training program, or they should be under the supervision of someone who has completed the program.
It is illegal to transport, store or use elm firewood, as the wood carries the beetles that spread DED. Elm wood should be disposed of promptly using the methods and locations approved by local municipalities.
To find out more about proper elm wood disposal in particular areas, check with local municipal authorities.
For more information, or if anyone suspects an elm tree may have DED, call the Ministry of Environment’s Inquiry Centre at 1-800-567-4224.
If further information is required, call Val Nicholson, Communication Services, Ministry of Environment (Prince Albert) by phone: 306-953-2459 or email: val.nicholson@gov.sk.ca.
