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!!Dutch Elm Disease Confirmed in Edmonton!!

!!Dutch Elm Disease Confirmed in Edmonton!!

Dutch elm disease was confirmed in Edmonton in August 2024. Dutch elm disease is a deadly disease caused by a fungus (Ophiostoma ulmi) that can affect any elm tree. The disease is spread through tree roots and beetles which can transport the fungus to other nearby trees.

Watch for these symptoms of Dutch elm disease:

  • Drooping and yellowing leaves in summer
  • Branches with smaller leaves than the rest of the tree
  • Branches with no leaves
  • Brown wilted leaves that remain on the tree

It is illegal to prune elm trees from April 1 to September 30 each year, as per the Community Standards Bylaw 14600. This pruning ban helps to prevent the spread of Dutch elm disease.

You must also dispose of any elmwood immediately and never transport firewood.
For more information on how to identify an elm tree, how to identify the disease, and what you can do, please visit the City of Edmonton’s page: https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/pests/dutch-elm-disease