Image of an elm tree. (Photo supplied by the City of Lethbridge)

By Justin Goulet

City informing residents of Dutch Elm Disease

Jun 24, 2022 | 7:08 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – June 22 to 28, 2022 marks Dutch Elm Disease (DED) Awareness Week.

In light of this, the City of Lethbridge is reminding residents not to bring firewood home when travelling out of province. Lindsay Bell, Urban Forestry Technician with the City of Lethbridge, says it’s easy for the DED carrier bugs to make their way into the region if they are brought along with leftover firewood.

Bell stated, “one of the big things we’re telling people is don’t move firewood.”

“Firewood can bring a lot of insects in and move things to other areas.”

Dutch Elm Disease is a fungus with the ability to kill an elm tree quickly by cutting off its water conducting system. In Alberta, the economic impact of losing elm trees could be substantial, especially if the species is potentially eliminated.

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The City added that many elm trees in Lethbridge and the surrounding area have been growing here for decades and it could take a significant amount of time to bring them back if they are lost to DED.

Officials say prevention is the key to protecting the elm tree population and advise the following:

• Do not bring firewood back from camping trips;
• Keep trees in healthy condition, as stressed trees are more susceptible to insect and disease problems;
• Prune dead wood only between October 1 and March 31. Pruning in the summer creates open wounds and may attract elm bark beetles, a carrier of DED;
• Watch for symptoms of DED on elm trees. From mid-June through July, leaves will wilt or droop, curl up and turn brown;
• Report elm trees displaying symptoms by calling 311 or the Provincial Hotline at 1-877-837-ELMS (3567).

More information about Dutch Elm Disease is available at the City of Lethbridge website.

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