Prince Albert reports first-ever case of Dutch Elm Disease

For the first time ever, the City of Prince Albert is reporting a case of Dutch Elm Disease (DED).

In a media release on Monday, the city confirmed the cases of the disease in multiple elm trees in the Riverview area.

DED is caused by a fungus that clogs the tree’s water and nutrient-conducting system, leading to the death of the tree. It’s spread by several species of elm bark beetles.

As part of the City’s Forestry Management Program, the trees were removed and disposed of.

“The most likely cause of DED in situations like this is illegal storage or transportation of elm firewood. As a proactive measure, we are asking residents to work with the City and help them to identify any elm wood cuttings that may be stored in yards and back alleys,” said Tim Yeaman, Parks and Open Space Manager.

The city noted that with these new cases popping up, it will be issuing another survey to inspect all private and residential elm trees and help crews identify illegal elm wood storage.

It also has several tips to prevent the spread of this disease including not pruning elm trees during the provincial pruning ban from April 1 to Aug. 31 and not bringing elm wood into the city, storing it, or burning it.