Protect Your Elm Trees: Don’t Prune From April 1 to August 31

Released on March 26, 2014

To reduce the risk of Dutch elm disease (DED), pruning of elm trees is prohibited throughout Saskatchewan each year from April 1 until August 31.

During this time, elm bark beetles that spread the disease are most active.  Fresh cuts from pruning can attract the insects and increase the chance of a DED infection.
  
Proper pruning is encouraged, outside the annual ban period.  Pruning helps keep trees healthy and better able to resist all diseases, including DED.  Removing dead and dying elm wood through pruning also helps reduce places for beetles to breed, and curbs their populations.  Throughout the year, including during the ban period, DED-infected elms should be removed promptly.
  
Under provincial regulations, commercial pruners of elm trees must have completed a recognized training program or be under the supervision of someone who has.  Improper pruning techniques can spread many tree diseases, including DED.

Elm wood must be disposed of promptly, using the method and locations chosen by each municipality.  Because of the risk of spreading DED, transporting or storing elm firewood is illegal.
 
For more information, call the Ministry of Environment’s Client Service Office at 1-800-567-4224.

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For more information, contact:

Jamie Gibson
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3900
Email: jamie.gibson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-519-9290