A ban on pruning Alberta elm trees takes effect April 1 and remains until Sept. 30.
The ban prevents Dutch elm disease from infecting elm trees in the province.
The disease is spread by elm bark beetles, which are attracted to the scent of fresh wood cuts. Trees typically die within a year of infection.
In a March 21 news release, the Society to Prevent Dutch Elm Disease encouraged people to prune all dead wood from elms and dispose of it by burning, burying or chipping. This should be done by March 31, before beetles become active.
Elm bark beetles thrive in dead and dying elm trees and can also infect healthy trees if untimely pruning attracts them.
Society executive director Janet Feddes-Calpas advises caution when managing trees.
“Pruning, like any other skill, requires knowledge and should be done by a professional certified arborist who can determine what type of pruning is necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance and safety of your trees,” she said.
For more information, visit www.stopded.org or phone 877-837-3567.
