TIME TO PRUNE ELM TREES: RESTRICTIONS END

The annual restriction on pruning all types of elm trees ends tomorrow (Sept. 1st).

Each year, pruning of elm trees is prohibited from April 1 to August 31 to reduce the risk of Dutch elm disease. The beetles that spread the deadly disease are active during this period, and fresh cuts attract them.

"Now that the ban period is over, we encourage homeowners to prune their elm trees," provincial Dutch elm disease co-ordinator Jeff Gooliaff said. "By maintaining their own trees, homeowners can help protect all the elms in their community."

Regular pruning, outside the ban period, helps keep trees healthy and better able to resist all types of diseases, including Dutch elm disease. Removing dead wood also makes trees less attractive to elm bark beetles, the insect that spreads the fungus that causes the disease.

The late summer and early fall can be an opportune time for tree maintenance. The weather is generally more pleasant and predictable than in the early spring, and the leaves on the trees make it easier to spot and remove dead or unhealthy branches.

Due to the risk of spreading the disease, transporting or storing elm firewood is illegal. Any elm wood should be disposed of promptly, using the method and locations chosen by each municipality.

For more information about Dutch elm disease or to report a potentially-diseased tree, call
1-800-SASK ELM or your local municipal office.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Jeff Gooliaff
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-2987
Email: jeff.gooliaff@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-961-1650

Val Nicholson
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-2987
Email: val.nicholson@gov.sk.ca