City continues war on Dutch elm disease
A year after Saskatoon saw its first case of Dutch elm disease, the city remains on high alert, watching for any signs that the wilting disease has claimed a second victim.
The disease: Dutch elm disease is a fungal disease that blocks trees’ water systems, killing them within one to two years. Diseased trees can usually be recognized in July when their leaves wilt, curl, turn yellow and die. The disease can be transferred by the elm bark beetle, which can stow away in elm firewood.
The history: Dutch elm disease made its first appearance in Saskatchewan in 1981, but didn’t arrive in the Bridge City until last summer, when an isolated case of the disease was identified in the Queen Elizabeth neighbourhood. That tree was removed and buried in the landfill within 48 hours of testing positive. Then city staff seized elm wood from surrounding households and all elms within one kilometre of the infected tree were tested. None were found to be infected.
The plan: To detect Dutch elm disease early, the city launched a public awareness campaign this spring and has expanded its elm tree surveillance program. Social media and radio advertisements have reminded people they can’t prune elm trees between April 1 and Aug. 3 and that elm wood can’t be stored. People who have elm wood in their yards may find themselves with “elm infractions” — warnings telling them to get the elm to the landfill immediately. Otherwise, the elm will be removed at the owner’s expense.
The cost: Last year, the city approved $100,000 to create an elm tree inventory, which will aid in Dutch elm disease surveillance. The city also bumped the 2016 pest control budget by $25,000 for more elm tree surveillance and testing.