One of many trees in Melfort with a red ribbon tied around it, indicating suspected Dutch Elm DIsease infection. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Dutch Elm

Over 100 trees suspected to have Dutch Elm Disease across Melfort

Aug 2, 2024 | 3:31 PM

The City of Melfort continues their battle against the spread of Dutch Elm Disease (DED).

The city hired Living Tree Environmental to function as their disease inspector, and the company recently completed their work in Melfort.

Director of Community Services Rob Lok told northeastNOW that Melfort has been doing a similar survey for several years, as they try to get a handle on the disease.

“When you see these fresh red ribbons on trees, those are Dutch Elm trees that have been identified as…displaying Dutch Elm Disease,” Lok explained.

Lok said the 2024 DED survey identified 102 trees infected with the disease, with 53 on private property and 49 on city land. The city has yet to review the results of the survey, and the number of trees on private and city lands are approximate.

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In 2023, there were 89 infected trees, with 42 on private property and 47 on city lands, which include boulevards, parks, and other green spaces.

“We’re still seeing that growth and establishment of Dutch Elm Disease in new areas, and in new trees,” said Lok, who was thankful that the number this year wasn’t as bad as had been feared.

The elm pruning ban is instituted province-wide between April 1 and Aug. 31. The goal is to stop the elm bark beetle, which spreads the disease, from being attracted to fresh cut tree limbs. Lok said that’s not an issue when you fully remove an infected tree, as you don’t leave the cut that would attract the beetle.

Lok said if the city continues to be proactive and remove all diseased trees in a timely fashion, they can get on top of the disease.

“At the moment in Melfort, I don’t think we are fully on top of the disease in Melfort, when we’re getting indications of 50 trees a year, but if we continue to be proactive within the next few years we can expect to see those numbers drop to 10 or 15 trees a year – at least that’s what we’re hoping to achieve.”

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK