dutch elm

A tree with Dutch Elm disease

April 1st is fast approaching and that means a province wide ban on pruning Elm Trees.

The ban is in effect because the summer is when the elm bark beetle is most active and fresh cuts attract the beetle.

The ban is not the only step the city is taking towards limiting Dutch Elm disease outbreaks.

"We work with the province in doing some trapping," said Parks Manager for the City of Swift Current Andy Toth. "The beetle is here but not in high numbers. We also do surveillance every year of our elms looking for the symptoms of Dutch Elm disease."

Toth would also like to remind residents it is illegal to store elm wood and the offense carries up to a $2000 fine.

The ban on pruning Elm Trees will be lifted on September 1st.

Interview with Parks Manager for the City of Swift Current Andy Toth:


Click here for more information on Dutch Elm disease