March 3, 2021

MOOSE JAW – 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.

“The City of Moose Jaw had 35 positive cases of Dutch Elm Disease in 2020, resulting in the removal of approximately 70 trees.” stated Sarah Regent, City Horticulturalist for the City of Moose Jaw. “Elms are some of the most valuable trees in our city and you can help protect our elm tree population by pruning out deadwood before the pruning ban takes effect and promptly disposing of all elm wood.”

For additional information and help identifying elm trees please contact the City of Moose Jaw Parks and Recreation Department (306-694-4447) or use the Parks & Recreation links at www.moosejaw.ca