Courtesy: City of Edmonton
The City of Edmonton is reminding residents that elm tree pruning is banned from April 1 to September 30 to help prevent the spread of Dutch elm disease (DED).
Dutch elm disease is a contagious fungal infection that poses a significant risk to surrounding elm trees. Enhanced monitoring and tree assessments are underway within protocol zones.
Bark beetles that can transmit the disease are active during this time and can be attracted to the scent of fresh tree cuts, increasing the risk of infection in healthy trees.
Elm trees account for 22 per cent of Edmonton’s open space and boulevard tree inventory, making Dutch elm disease a significant threat to the health and resilience of the urban forest.
Since the disease was first detected in Edmonton in August 2024, seven trees have tested positive.
The City of Edmonton continues to work closely with provincial partners and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to implement best practices and reporting.
Signs of Dutch elm disease include:
- brown staining in the sapwood;
- wilting or drooping leaves on multiple branches from late-June to mid-July, which turn brown but stay attached; and
- yellowing leaves that drop prematurely, in the case of a tree that is infected later in the summer.
These signs should be reported to 311.
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