Pruning Ban for Elm Trees Takes Effect April 1

Prince Albert, SK - Residents are reminded that they have until March 31^st to complete any pruning of elm on their property, or to delay until early fall, as the provincial ban on pruning elm trees will be in effect between April 1^st and August 31^st.  The ban ensures that elm bark beetles, which transmit Dutch Elm Disease (DED), are not attracted to the pruning cuts when these beetles are most active.

DED continues to be found in more areas of the province and was last discovered within an hour’s drive of the City within the last calendar year.  DED is caused by a fungus that clogs the tree’s water conducting system, which eventually causes the tree to die, usually within one or two seasons.

The early symptoms of the disease usually appear by July when the leaves on one or more branches wilt, curl, turn yellow and then die.  The only effective management strategy for the elm bark beetle is to deprive it of its breeding habitat.  This involves keeping our elm trees healthy by removing potential breeding material in trees and eliminating detached elm wood. 

Elm Tree Removal Year Round

Elm removal can occur at any time of the year with approval from the Municipal DED Inspector (please contact Parks, Recreation & Culture), however the entire tree, including the stump, must be removed in accordance with the provincial regulations, and all waste elm be transported to the nearest approved landfill site in the municipality where the elm was removed. 

Disposing of Elm Wood

Elm stumps, fallen branches or any wood from a fallen elm tree must be disposed of properly. Under no circumstance is wood from an elm tree permitted to be stored on a property, transported in or out of province or used for firewood as per the Provincial Dutch Elm Disease Regulations, 2005.  All wood must be transported to the nearest approved landfill site in the municipality where the elm was removed. 

In Prince Albert, the City’s landfill, located north of Prince Albert, is an approved site.  Please note that there will be a fee for commercial hauling of green waste. 

If you are unsure if the tree(s) in question are Elm or believe you may have noticed signs of potential DED in a tree, we would encourage you to contact the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department at the number below so that proper identification can be made and direction provided.

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For more media inquiries please contact:
Dan Sadlowski
Parks Manager
Phone: (306) 953-4800