This work helps protect the health of public elm trees and reduce nuisance impacts caused by European elm scale, including sticky honeydew, black sooty mould, yellowing leaves, early leaf drop, thinning tree canopies and branch dieback.

Where the work is happening

Treatment will take place on affected City-owned elm trees throughout Red Deer.

The City is notifying properties immediately adjacent to trees scheduled for treatment.

When the work is happening

Treatment may take place between May and July, depending on tree and weather conditions.

Why treatment is needed

European elm scale is an insect that feeds on elm trees. It can become a nuisance when it produces sticky honeydew, especially during warmer months. Honeydew can collect on branches and nearby surfaces and may lead to black sooty mould.

Heavy infestations can affect tree health. Signs may include:

• yellowing leaves
• early leaf drop
• thinning tree canopies
• branch dieback
• decline in weakened trees

Treating affected trees helps protect Red Deer’s urban forest and supports the long-term health of City-owned elm trees.

What the work looks like

The City’s contractor will use a trunk injection method to treat affected elm trees.

The process includes:

• drilling small pre-holes into the base of the tree
• inserting a needle and cylinder
• allowing the treatment to move into the tree
• removing the equipment once the injection is complete

A single large tree typically takes about 15 minutes to treat.

Safety and public access

The treatment is injected directly into the tree. It is not sprayed.

The injection system is closed, which means the product is contained within the equipment and the tree. Because the treatment is delivered directly into the trunk, there is no chemical drift into the air or onto nearby plants.

Crews will maintain a two-metre safety perimeter during drilling and injection work.

There is no action required from residents, schools or businesses. This information is being shared so people are aware of the work if they see crews near affected trees.

Watering during dry conditions

The City is watering treated trees using water trucks. Because Red Deer has experienced prolonged dry conditions, additional water can help reduce stress on trees and support treatment effectiveness.

Residents near City-owned elm trees are not required to take any action. However, residents who are interested and able are welcome to provide extra water to nearby City-owned elm trees during dry periods.

Slow, deep watering is best. Place a hose between the base of the tree and the tree’s drip line, which is the imaginary line extending from the outermost branch tips straight down to the ground. Let water run slowly so it can soak into the soil and reach the roots. For larger trees, this may take a few hours. Slow watering is especially helpful in Red Deer because clay loam soil is common and water can run off if applied too quickly.

Please make sure hoses do not create tripping hazards or drainage issues.

Contractor

The work will be completed by:

Wild Rose Garden and Tree Service Inc. / LePage Plant Health Care
4114 42 Street
Red Deer, Alberta

More information

For questions about this project, contact:

Engineering
The City of Red Deer
engineering@reddeer.ca 
403-342-8158