Town pruning local elms as ban lifts, on the lookout for signs of Dutch Elm Disease

Posted on: Staff Writer

From edition: November 5 2021 Strathmore Times

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Evidence of trees having suffered from Dutch elm is present in Strathmore. The fungus is spread by beetles and is fatal to elm trees in as few as three weeks. Afflicted trees are pruned to prevent as much damage as possible.

John Watson Photo

The Town of Strathmore has once again been pruning local elm trees in an effort to prevent the contraction and spread of Dutch Elm Disease (DED).

Dutch Elm Disease is a fungal disease spread both by native and non-native beetle species and is fatal to any tree that contracts it. The disease can kill an elm tree in as little as three weeks once contracted.

According to Town of Strathmore Operations Manager Donna McCallum, the beetles are incredibly small and difficult to spot with the naked eye.

“The first sign is upper branches of the trees dying with the leaves yellowing in mid-summer,” she said.

Pruning of elm trees occurs late in the year following the end of the annual pruning ban, which is in place from April 1 to Sept 30. 

By waiting until the trees become dormant to prune them, McCallum said there is a decreased chance of attracting beetles to the fresh cuts — thus also decreasing the risk of spreading the fungus. 

“The Town of Strathmore helps locally to prevent the spread of Dutch Elm Disease. Our staff are trained to spot invasive pests and to watch for signs of infected trees,” she said.

“In conjunction with the STOPDED (Society to Prevent Dutch Elm Disease) organization, the Town places traps in selected areas around Town. STOPDED monitors these traps for the beetles.”

STOPDED is the organization responsible for operating the Provincial DED prevention program.

The Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta have laws in place to protect Alberta’s elm trees, which McCallum adds are the largest stand of American elm trees that remain Dutch Elm Disease free in the world.

“With the annual pruning ban ended, our teams will be following up on tips from citizens,” she said.

In addition to watching for Dutch Elm Disease, the Town of Strathmore will also be pruning black knot and other tree diseases.

“Trees are an important part of Strathmore’s identity … By caring for our urban forest, we can help these trees to live long, healthy lives,” said McCallum. 

Pruning is estimated to conclude at the end of October.