MOOSE JAW, SK – The City of Moose Jaw reminds residents that the Elm Tree Pruning Ban will be in effect April 1^st to August 31^st in the Province of Saskatchewan. It is illegal to prune elm trees during this time.

All elm wood must be disposed of at the City Sanitary Landfill or promptly burned in a legal fireplace or firepit. An elm wood disposal permit can be obtained, free of charge, from the Parks and Recreation Department in order to dispose of any elm wood you may have at the City Sanitary Landfill free of charge.

Elm bark beetles, which play a critical role in the transmission of Dutch Elm Disease (DED), are attracted to pruning wounds during the ban period. The beetle is the main carrier of the fungus responsible for DED and travels from infected trees, where they deposit their eggs, to healthy trees to feed. By flying from tree to tree, these beetles deliver spores of the fungus in a very effective manner.

“There is still a significant amount of tree branches on the ground from the fall storm,” said Daily Lennox, Parks Supervisor. “If residents need help to identify the wood please call us. Additionally, if you notice bad/ugly breaks on your elm or any tree, please clean cut it.  This allows trees to heal quicker.”

Parks and Recreation crews will be surveying alleys for elm wood, and will notify residents with a timeline to properly dispose of the elm wood.

The City would reminds residents that they may not prune trees on City-owned property. There is a City-owned boulevard adjacent to every property in Moose Jaw; if you are unsure of a tree’s ownership please submit a tree inspection request through the City of Moose Jaw’s Report an Issue feature on the free City app or at www.MooseJaw.ca.

For additional information and help identifying elm trees please contact the City of Moose Jaw Parks and Recreation Department or use the Parks & Recreation links at www.moosejaw.ca