Released September 1, 2021
City Launches 2021 Dutch Elm Disease Control Program
WEYBURN – The City of Weyburn Parks department is preparing for its yearly Dutch Elm Disease maintenance and control program.
Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is an incurable fungal disease spread by the elm bark beetle that kills any elm tree it infects.
The 2021 program includes pest management through pesticide spraying of elms within certain areas of the city:
- South
- 1st Ave. S to 10th Ave. S
- Government Rd. to Confederation Dr.
- Northwest
- 1st Ave. NW to 3rd Ave. NW
- Scott Cres. to Elgin St.
- Saskatchewan Dr.
- North
- 1st Ave. N to 5th Ave. N
- 5th St. to King St.
- Northeast
- 1st Ave. NE to Eaglesham Ave.
- 16th St. to Dieppe Dr.
The City of Weyburn will notify impacted residents that city owned elms located near their property will be treated by basal spraying. Residents also have the opportunity to authorize City Parks staff property access to treat privately owned elms.
Residents unsure if they have elm trees on their property (and live within the neighbourhoods noted above) can apply for the free program to authorize Parks staff to inspect and treat your trees, if identified as elms.
Homeowners can apply for the basal spraying program online at the City website (https://weyburn.ca/dutch-elm-disease-control-program/application-form/) or contact the Parks department for more information by email at ded@weyburn.ca or (306) 848-3290.
Deadline to apply is Sept. 17 for the 2021 control program.
The City of Weyburn encourages residents to apply for the program and authorize the spraying of privately owned elm trees; there is no cure for DED and trees must be treated to prevent further spread of the elm bark beetle.
All found DED infected trees in 2021 have been removed and disposed of, and the Parks department continues maintenance to ensure the disease does not spread.
One of the most important ways to help prevent the spread of DED is to avoid the illegal practice of transporting, storing and using elm firewood.
As of Sept. 1, the annual provincial ban on pruning elm trees has been lifted for the fall season. Keeping elms healthy by pruning dead or dying branches helps prevent the spread of DED. Elm wood should be promptly disposed of at the landfill.
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