By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter)

Yearly Elm Pruning Ban in Effect Until September

Apr 1, 2016 | 2:38 PM

LETHBRIDGE: With the spring season upon us, a province-wide pruning ban for elm trees is in effect.

From April 1st to September 30th, pruning during this time exposes wounds that can provide entry sites for Elm Bark Beetles, a carrier of the Dutch Elm Disease (DED) fungus.

Urban Forestry Technician, Lindsay Bell, says there are a number of tell-tale signs relating to DED.

“If your tree is not leafing out this spring, definitely things are behind, but if your tree doesn’t leaf out and all the other trees in your neighbourhood are leafing out, don’t be afraid to give us a call, we’ll come out and we’ll assess that tree.”

Also, from mid-June through July, the leaves on infected trees will wilt, curl-up and turn brown. Leaves on trees infected late in the season will turn yellow and drop prematurely.

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Lethbridge has one of the largest numbers of elm trees in the country. More than 10,000 grow along boulevards, in parks and yards. Because there are a limited number of trees that are hardy enough for our region, the elms come under some special care.

Elm trees displaying symptoms can be reported to the City of Lethbridge Dutch Elm Disease hotline at 403-320-3075 or the provincial hotline 1-877-837-ELMS (3567).

If a tree is infected, the city will need to remove it.

For more information on DED, visit www.stopded.org.

by Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter)

Yearly Elm Pruning Ban in Effect Until September

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