SASKATOON — The Parks Department of the City of Saskatoon has confirmed a new case of in an elm tree in the Forest Grove area. This discovery has prompted the activation of the city's DED Response Plan, which involves immediate actions to contain the spread of the disease.
The response plan includes swiftly removing the infected trees and their disposal at the . Increased vigilance will be exercised in the surrounding vicinity to locate stored elm wood. At the same time, additional sampling of symptomatic trees within a one-kilometre radius of the affected tree will occur.
The removal process will start with eradicating three trees adjacent to Central Avenue. Subsequently, 28 more trees are scheduled for removal, pending line locations. Further removals might be implemented depending on the outcome of subsequent test results. In parallel, the city's crews will continue their regular, comprehensive surveillance, sampling, and cyclical pruning of elm trees across parks and boulevards city-wide.
Parks staff will conduct surveillance in the affected zones to address the impact. This entails inspecting each property for elm firewood or brush, which will be removed on discovery. If residents are unavailable during the inspection, staff will confiscate the elm wood and issue an Elm Infraction Notice accompanied by an explanatory note.
Under the Provincial Dutch Elm Disease Regulations, 2005, per the Forest Resource Management Act, inspectors possess the authority to access private properties to inspect elm wood, remove it if necessary, and obtain samples from private elm trees. Property owners must adhere to these regulations by eliminating and properly disposing of infected elm trees.
Understanding Dutch Elm Disease
DED is a severe ailment triggered by a fungus that obstructs elm trees' water and nutrient-conducting system, ultimately leading to their demise. The disease was introduced to North America during the 1930s and decimated millions of elms throughout Canada and the United States. In Saskatoon, elms comprise a significant portion, accounting for 25% of the public urban forest.
Transmission and Prevention
In Saskatchewan, DED is primarily propagated by various species of elm bark beetles. These insects can fly distances exceeding two kilometres to search for elm trees. The DED fungus possesses minuscule spores that adhere to the beetle's body, enabling it to carry and transmit the disease to other elm trees. The fungus can also be disseminated through infected pruning tools.
Citizens can contribute to preventing DED by refraining from pruning elms during the provincial pruning ban, which extends from April 1 to August 31. It is essential to avoid transporting elm wood into the city, storing such wood for more than a day, or burning elm firewood. Proper disposal at the city landfill is vital. Additionally, individuals should sanitize their tools after working on elm trees and abstain from constructing treehouses in elm trees, as such structures could attract elm bark beetles.
Suspected cases of DED in American elm trees, characterized by wilting, yellowing, curling, and browning of leaves, can be reported to the city or a professional arborist. An online reporting form is available at , or citizens can contact Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890 for assistance.
For more comprehensive information on Dutch Elm Disease, please visit .
