June 23, 2010
(Red Deer, Alberta) – Dutch Elm Disease Awareness Week runs from June 22 to June 28, and The City of Red Deer Parks staff urges the public to learn more about how to prevent this and other diseases that are deadly to our trees.
Alberta has remained free of Dutch Elm Disease (DED) to date, but the disease is moving through Saskatchewan. Other deadly tree diseases are also moving toward the Manitoba border, from North Dakota.
“Most residents are aware that they cannot transport elm firewood, because it can spread DED,” said Elaine Johnson, Urban Forester for The City of Red Deer. “However, we’re seeing the movement of other pests that are just as deadly to our trees, and they’re also spread through firewood.”
The City of Red Deer reminds citizens that it is illegal to transport elm firewood in Alberta and recommends that people not transport any type of firewood at all. The Emerald Ash Borer, Bronze Birch Borer and Mountain Pine Beetle are all wood-boring pests that live beneath the bark of trees and are spread by transportation of firewood. They attack ash, birch and pine trees. Stripping firewood other than elm of its bark also renders it safe to transport.
“Our trees are a treasure that we can’t afford to lose,” said Johnson. “Each of these pests can kill a mature tree in one season, but there are simple things we can do to protect Alberta’s trees from this destruction.”
Removing dead branches and trees destroys potential habitats for the beetles that cause DED, as does disposing of all elm wood 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. Pruning elms between the beginning of April and the end of September can attract beetles that are active in that season to the scent of fresh tree cuts and possibly infect a healthy tree.
Leaves on a DED-infected elm will wilt or droop, curl and become brown, appearing in mid-June to mid-July. Leaves on trees infected later in the season usually turn yellow and drop prematurely. Leaf symptoms are accompanied by brown staining under the bark.
Infected elms, or those suspected of being infected, should be reported to the STOPDED Hotline toll free at 1-877-837-ELMS (3567). A confirmed DED tree must be removed immediately to prevent further spread. Residents can call the same number to get more information about DED, or visit www.stopded.org.
For more information on DED in Red Deer, please contact The City of Red Deer Parks section at
403-342-8234.
-end-
For more information, please contact:
Elaine Johnson
Urban Forester
The City of Red Deer
403-342-8344
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