Trees in Wakamow and the northern portion of the city are being hit by Dutch Elm Disease

Moose Jaw definitely has it's share of Dutch Elm disease, which affects our elm trees, stretching across the city through Wakamow, the Northeast part of town, in the Avenues and in the Northwest part of town.

Daily Lennox, Parks Gardener for the City of Moose Jaw says that so far this year there are a total of 11 affected trees, with the possibility of more.

"It's a huge concern because it's here." said Lennox. "It's very prevalent in Buffalo Pound and in that area. It's close and nearby and as we have more and more in town, it's going to be more of a problem every year."

"I don't know how we can completely stop it. I don't think we can but hopefully we can maintain it and keep it at acceptable levels."

Lennox says that because the beetles are here and that they carry the disease, that the only thing that can be done is try and eliminate as much of their breeding ground as possible. Residents must stick to the prune ban which bans pruning of trees through the summer months, and if residents believe they have any kind of Elm wood, to phone them and they will properly dispose of it.