Crews were in Melfort last summer to remove trees infected with Dutch Elm Disease. (File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Elm pruning ban

Elm pruning ban starts April 1

Mar 22, 2025 | 8:00 AM

The annual provincial elm tree pruning ban is around the corner.

The ban runs from Apr. 1 to Aug. 31 each year to help stop the spread of Dutch Elm Disease (DED), a fatal tree disease caused by a fungus that is spread by elm bark beetles.

The beetles are more active as the weather warms up, and they are attracted to fresh cuts on elm trees. Pruning during this time leads to an increased chance of infection, which leads to a higher risk for elm trees.

“Pruning trees before or after the ban period helps keep them healthy and better able to resist all kinds of diseases, including DED,” said a Ministry of Environment news release. “Pruning also removes the dead and dying wood where elm bark beetles breed, reducing beetle numbers.”

However, incorrect pruning can damage trees and spread diseases. The Ministry recommends homeowners check the qualifications of anyone they hire to prune trees, as anyone who prunes elm trees commercially must complete a recognized training program or be supervised by someone who has completed the program.

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You can completely remove an elm tree during this time, but must dispose of the wood properly, and as quickly as possible. The Ministry suggests contacting your local municipality to learn where the designated wood disposal site is your region.

The transportation, storage, or sale of elm firewood is illegal in Saskatchewan, and regulations also restrict the use, transportation, storage, and sale of elm logs.

Dutch Elm Disease has hit the province hard, including in the northeast. The City of Melfort identified 102 trees infected with the disease last year. Thirty-six trees in Regina were found to be infected – their highest number ever – while Saskatoon had 11 DED-infected trees in 2024.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com