Elm pruning ban in effect until September 30

August 5, 2008

(Red Deer, Alberta) – Citizens are reminded that the annual ban on pruning elm trees is in effect until September 30. The ban reduces the risk of Alberta elms being infected with Dutch Elm Disease (DED).

The Alberta-wide pruning ban goes from April 1 to September 30 when elm bark beetles are most active.

“The beetles are drawn to the scent of fresh pruning cuts if elm trees are pruned between April and September,” said Elaine Johnson, Urban Forester for The City of Red Deer Parks section. “The beetles may then spread the disease and increase the chance of an infection.”

It is only legal to prune elms in Alberta between October and March 31, when the beetles responsible for spreading the virus are not active. Pruning elms at this time helps to reduce the beetle’s breeding habitat.

Johnson recommends that pruning be done by a professional certified arborist who can properly recommend the amount and type of pruning that is needed for individual trees.

“Many trees are severely disfigured as a result of improper pruning,” said Johnson. “It’s also important that pruned elm wood be disposed of promptly and properly, to keep the disease from spreading.”

All elm wood should be disposed of by burning, burying or chipping. Regular watering from April to mid-August, and only pruning between October and the end of March keeps elms healthy and vigorous.

The City of Red Deer reminds citizens that it is illegal to transport or stockpile elm firewood in Alberta, and recommends that people not transport any type of firewood at all. Many wood-boring pests live beneath the bark of trees and are spread by transportation of firewood.

For more information on how to prevent Dutch Elm Disease, call the toll-free provincial hotline at 310-0000 and ask for 403-782-8613 or visit the (STOPDED) website at www.stopded.org.

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For more information, please contact:
Elaine Johnson
Urban Forester
The City of Red Deer
403-342-8344