BAN ON PRUNING ELM TREES IN EFFECT

To reduce the risk of Dutch elm disease, pruning of elm trees is prohibited from April 13th until July 31st throughout Saskatchewan.

Provincial regulations ban the pruning of elms during this time each year. Fresh cuts from pruning attract the beetles that can spread Dutch elm disease, and increase the chance of an infection. The disease kills elms, usually in a single season, by clogging the tree's water conducting system.

Pruning dead and dying elm branches is encouraged before April 13th and after July 31st. This helps to reduce beetle breeding habitat and control the beetle population. Prompt and proper disposal of the pruned wood is essential to keep Dutch elm disease from spreading.

"Everyone must work together to fight Dutch elm disease," Environment Minister Buckley Belanger said. "By observing these regulations, we can all do our part to help protect our province's elm trees."

For more information about the Dutch Elm Disease Control Regulations and safe elm wood disposal, contact 1-800-SASK ELM (727-5356) or your local municipal authority.

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For More Information, Contact:

Steve Hyde Environment Saskatoon Phone: (306)933-6515 Email: shyde@serm.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)230-5541