Dutch elm disease case identified in Saskatoon

The City of Saskatoon’s parks department says it has identified a positive case of Dutch elm disease in the city’s Varsity View neighbourhood.

The city has initiated its Dutch elm disease response plan, which includes the removal of the infected tree and increased surveillance in the surrounding areas to determine if the disease has spread.

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“Surveillance of these areas includes checking every property for elm firewood or brush and removing it when it is found,” the city explained in a statement.

“If residents are not home, staff will remove the elm wood and leave an Elm Infraction Notice with a note indicating that the wood was removed.”

Dutch elm disease is caused by a fungus that clogs an elm tree’s water-conducting system, which causes the tree to die. The disease is spread by species of elm bark beetles, through the transportation of infected elm wood, or through infected pruning tools.

Anyone who suspects a tree is infected by Dutch elm disease can fill out an online form to request an inspection.