August 28, 2020

Moose Jaw, SK – The City of Moose Jaw reminds residents that privately-owned elm trees may be pruned September 1 to March 31. There is a provincial Elm Tree Pruning Ban in effect April 1^st to August 31^st each year. 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 fire pit. An elm wood disposal permit can be obtained, free of charge, from the Parks and Recreation Department 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. Elm bark beetles breed in dead wood, therefore pruning out dead branches and promptly disposing of all elm wood is an important part of DED management.

“The City of Moose Jaw has confirmed 30 cases of Dutch Elm Disease so far in 2020, resulting in the removal of approximately 65 trees.” stated Sarah Regent, City Horticulturist for the City of Moose Jaw. “It’s important that we work together as a community to limit the spread of DED.”

For additional information and help identifying pelm trees please contact the City of Moose Jaw Parks and Recreation Department or visit our Dutch Elm Disease web page.