The City of Moose Jaw is reminding residents that the elm tree pruning ban will be in effect from Monday, April 1 to Aug. 31 and that it is illegal to prune elm trees during this time.
Residents must dispose of all elm wood at the city landfill — for free — or promptly burn in a legal fireplace or firepit, and can obtain an elm disposal permit free of charge from the parks and recreation department.
Elm bark beetles, which play a critical role in the transmission of Dutch Elm Disease (DED), are attracted to pruning wounds during the ban period. The beetle is the main carrier of the fungus responsible for DED and travels from infected trees, where they deposit their eggs on healthy trees to feed. By flying from tree to tree, these beetles deliver spores of the fungus in a very effective manner.
“The City of Moose Jaw had 38 positive cases of Dutch Elm Disease in 2023, which can lead to the removal of those trees that (form) the major species of our urban forestry,” said Nijil Joseph Martin, forestry and horticulture supervisor.
“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 elm wood.”
For additional information and help identifying elm trees, contact the city’s parks and recreation department at 306-694-4447 or use the parks and recreation links at www.moosejaw.ca.
