MOOSE JAW, SK –The City of Moose Jaw reminds residents that the provincial Elm Tree Pruning Ban will be in effect April 1 to August 31, 2026.

All elm wood must be disposed of at the City Sanitary Landfill (1802 Caribou Street E) or promptly burned in a legal fireplace or firepit. An elm wood disposal permit can be obtained, free of charge, from the Community Services Department (4^th Floor of City Hall) to dispose of any elm wood you may have at the City Sanitary Landfill at no cost.

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.

“In 2025, a total of 132 elm trees, which forms the major species of our urban forestry, were removed from various locations of the city as a result of Dutch Elm Disease,” stated Eric Kleim, Forestry and Horticulture Supervisor 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.”

There was a 73 per cent increase of Dutch Elm Disease cases in Moose Jaw in 2025 compared to 2024.

Visit our Dutch Elm Disease page on MooseJaw.ca for additional information. If you require help to identify elm trees, please contact the City of Moose Jaw Community Services Department by calling 306-694-4447, or use Report an Issue on MooseJaw.ca or the free City of Moose Jaw app (select Trees>Tree Inspection).