Stop Dutch Elm Disease

You’ve likely seen the highway signage, “STOP DED – prevent Dutch Elm Disease,” but maybe you’ve wondered what DED is, let alone how we stop it.

The province of Alberta is considered Dutch Elm Disease (DED) FREE; however, across North America, including within Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the disease is destroying elm trees. Once an elm is infected, since no cure exists, the tree must be removed and destroyed, immediately.

What is DED?
Dutch Elm Disease is a deadly fungus that is quickly spread by the Elm Bark Beetle. Beetles feed on the healthy elms, breed, and overwinter in dead and dying elm trees.

How do we STOP DED?
In Alberta, the only time one may legally prune or trim an elm tree, is between October 1, and March 31; this is when the deadly elm beetles are not active.

Pruning an elm tree at any time between April 1, and September 30, is illegal, as the scent of freshly pruned elm attracts elm beetles and potentially infects the healthy tree.

• Do not prune, clip, or trim an elm tree between April 1, and September 30.

Having your elm tree pruned properly is also important. The Society to Prevent Dutch Elm Disease (STOPDED), recommends having a professional arborist, ISA Certified, prune all elm trees. A professional arborist determines what type of pruning is necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance and safety of your trees.

Improper pruning, topping, or removing an excessive amount of live wood is not recommended, as these types of pruning weakens the tree’s structure, and shorten the tree’s lifespan.

• Properly dispose of all pruned elm wood by burning, burying or chipping before March 31.
• Storing elm firewood is illegal, as it may harbour Elm Bark Beetles.
• Do not store elm firewood, and do not bring elm firewood across the border from neighbouring provinces, territories, and/or states.

Why do we care?
Have you ever SEEN an elm tree? They are spectacular, quick-growing deciduous trees that adapt to a broad range of habitats.

More importantly, Sylvan Lake alone is home to approximately 500 elm tree species – and these are only the trees we’ve identified as part of our urban forest (trees on public land); residents may have additional elm trees on their private properties.

For more information, call the STOPDED hotline at 1 877 837 ELMS, or check out the web site at www.stopded.org. To find an ISA Certified Arborist in your area go to www.isaprairie.com.