Saskatchewan Dutch Elm Disease Association

Facts

How can we save our elms?

With proper elm care we can keep our elm losses down to less than 2% per year. Here are five steps to successful DED management:

  1. Prune Your Elms

    Keep your elms healthy by pruning dead or dying branches. Hire a pruner certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Do not hire someone who "tops" trees.

    Observe the annual pruning ban. Do not prune your elms between April 1st and August 31st. The Elm Bark Beetle that spreads the DED fungus is attracted to freshly cut elm and is most active during this period.

  2. Watch for Symptoms of DED

    Be aware of the symptoms of DED as outlined on "What is DED?" on this website.

    If you suspect an elm has DED, call the DED Info-line at:
    1-800-SASKELM
    (1-800-727-5356)

  3. Dispose of Wood Properly

    Remove infected trees immediately and take them to the closest designated disposal site.

    In a rural area, you may burn or bury the wood on your property. Please follow DED regulations when doing this.

  4. Don't Use Elm Wood

    Don't use, store, or transport elm wood. It's illegal! One piece of elm firewood can carry over 1800 infested elm bark beetles. The DED regulations apply to all elms including Siberian & Manchurian elms.

    Elm wood has deeply ridged bark that is silver-gray in colour. In cross-section the bark has distinctive reddish brown and beige layers.

  5. Basal Spraying

    Basal spraying with an insecticide licensed for elm bark beetle control is another method of slowing the spread of DED. Basal spraying should be done community-wide by a licensed applicator if beetles are found.

Want to know more? See Saskatchewan DED Regulations