Dutch elm disease cases found in Saskatoon
Global News
Dutch elm disease is caused by a fungus that clogs an elm's water and nutrient conducting system, killing the tree. Inspectors will be out checking other trees in affected areas.
Cases of Dutch elm disease have been identified in Saskatoon and the city’s parks department has initiated a response plan.
The disease was found in elm trees in Sutherland as well as in Pleasant Hill.
The city said the response plan includes the immediate removal of infected trees, which will be disposed of at the landfill.
Increased surveillance of the surrounding areas, sampling of symptomatic trees and cyclical pruning will also take place.
The city noted parks staff will be checking private property in the areas to inspect and sample trees.
“As part of the Forest Resource Management Act, the Provincial Dutch Elm Disease Regulations 2005, allow inspectors to enter private property to inspect for elm wood, remove elm wood, and sample private elm trees. In accordance with the regulations, property owners will be asked to remove and dispose of infected elm trees,” read a city release.
The city said elm trees make up 25 per cent of the public urban forest.
Dutch elm disease is caused by a fungus clogging an elm tree’s water and nutrient conducting system, which eventually results in the death of the tree. The disease is spread by elm bark beetles that can carry fungus spores. The fungus can also be spread by infected pruning tools.