The City is reminding residents that the elm tree pruning ban will come into effect on April 1 and last until August 31, during which time it will be illegal to prune elm trees.

The pruning ban coincides with the time of year when the elm bark beetles that spread Dutch elm disease are most active. Fresh cuts from pruning can attract tiny insects, increasing the chance of infection.

The beetles travel from infected trees and lay their eggs on healthy trees to feed. While flying from tree to tree, they deposit spores of the Dutch elm disease.

All elm wood must be disposed of at the city landfill, or burned in a legal firepit. If you do want to dispose of it at the landfill, you will need an elmwood disposal permit, which can be obtained for free from the parks and rec department.

Sarah Regent, City Horticulturalist for the City of Moose Jaw.

"The City of Moose Jaw had 35 positive cases of Dutch Elm Disease in 2020, resulting in the removal of approximately 70 trees. 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 elmwood."

Once a tree is infected with Dutch elm, it can take any time between 3 weeks to 3 years before the tree is completely killed off. Signs of Dutch elm disease include wilting, yellowing leaves on one or several branches near the top of the tree, usually beginning in late June – report it to your local municipality. Infected wood spreads DED.