Facts
What is Dutch Elm Disease?
- Dutch elm disease (DED) is a deadly fungus that can kill an elm in as little as three weeks by clogging its water-conducting vessels.
- Once a tree is infected by DED it needs to be removed and disposed of properly by either burying it or burning it.
How is DED Spread?
- Dutch elm disease is spread in Saskatchewan by the native elm bark beatle whcih can fly up to two kilometres as it searches for healthy elms to feed on. The DED fungus has sticky spores that become attached to the beetle during its breeding period. The beetle then spreads the fungus when it feeds on and over-winters in healthy elms.
What does DED look like?
- As early as June, the leaves on a DED infected elm will wilt, turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. Symptoms usually first appear in the crown on the tree, and can be seen until fall colours appear.
- If you see these symptoms, call the DED infoline at 1-800-SASKELM (1-800-727-5356).
