Back to SearchThis week, the City of Prince Albert Parks Department has confirmed one positive case of Dutch elm disease (DED) in elm trees in the Riverview area. This is the first documented case of DED in the City of Prince Albert in many years.
As part of the City's Forestry Management Program, the City mobilized its Forestry Crew immediately and removed and disposed of the tree within a short period. The European Elm Beetle primarily spreads the fungus from one elm tree to another. The beetles are attracted to weak and dying trees, which serve as breeding sites.
The City has been working with Living Tree Environmental to provide DED surveys over the last three 3-years, inspecting all private/residential elm trees and helping to identify illegal elm wood storage. Due to the nature and urgency of which this case was noted, the City will be looking to complete a Second survey for DED by August 1st, 2023.
"The most likely cause of DED in situations like this is illegal storage or transportation of elm firewood. Beetles can hitch a ride on infected elm firewood and be carried by unsuspecting campers and homeowners. As a proactive measure, we are asking residents to work with the City and help them to identify any elm wood cuttings that may be stored in yards and back alleys," says Tim Yeaman, Parks and Open Space Manager.
What is DED?
DED is a severe disease caused by a fungus that clogs the elm tree's water and nutrient-conducting system, which eventually causes the tree to die. DED was introduced in North America in the 1930s and has wiped out millions of elms across Canada and the United States.
How is DED spread?
In Saskatchewan, the disease is spread by several species of elm bark beetles. These beetles can fly farther than two kilometres in search of elm trees. The DED fungus has tiny spores that stick to the beetle's body. Elm bark beetles can carry these spores and infect other elm trees. Infected pruning tools can also spread the fungus.
You can help prevent DED by:
- Not pruning elms during the provincial pruning ban (April 1st to August 31st, 2023),
- Not bringing elm wood into the City, storing elm wood for more than a day, or burning elm firewood,
- Always disposing of elm wood at the City Landfill,
- Sanitizing tools after working on elm trees,
- Not building treehouses in elm trees, as the nail and screw holes can attract elm bark beetles,
- Reporting dead or dying elm trees or branches to the City or to a professional arborist,
- Learn to identify an elm tree and recognize the signs and symptoms of DED.
- Report all suspected infected trees immediately to the City Community Services Department.
How to identify and report unhealthy elm trees and firewood
American elm trees with DED may start showing symptoms as early as June. Typically, the leaves will begin to wilt and turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. Should residents identify elm wood or need help identifying firewood, we would encourage them to contact the City Community Services Department at 306-953-4800 immediately, and we would be happy to send a city crew to your location to help assist in identifying, collecting, removing and provide disposal of the elm wood free of charge.
For more information contact:
-30-
Tim Yeaman
Parks and Open Space Manager
Community Services Department
306 953-4800
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