The effort to try to stop the spread of Dutch Elm Disease continues in Melfort. (Image Credit: File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Infections up over last three years

Elm pruning ban looms as Melfort continues Dutch Elm Disease battle

Mar 31, 2026 | 12:00 PM

The provincial elm pruning ban is nearly upon us. 

The ban is enforced from April 1 to Aug. 31 to help prevent the spread of Dutch Elm Disease (DED).  

“The elm bark beetles that spread the Dutch Elm Disease fungus are drawn to the scent of fresh cuts from pruning and cutting, which increases the risk of introducing the disease into healthy trees,” said Melfort’s Director of Community Services Rob Lok. 

Melfort has had an especially difficult time as of late in controlling the spread of the disease. The annual survey conducted last summer identified 127 infected trees, which was up from 102 from the previous year, and 89 in 2023. 

Lok said all 73 infected trees on City property that were identified in 2025 have been removed, as have been the stumps. There are still some outstanding stumps left on City property to remove from previous years, but they have been treated with herbicide and are on the list to remove.  

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There are a few infected trees on private property that were identified last summer that have still not been removed. Lok said the Dutch Elm inspector the City contracts will be in town to do an inventory in the coming weeks, and they will work with landowners to get those trees removed. 

Lok said the northeast is currently a hot zone for Dutch Elm Disease. 

“We are monitoring, inspecting, and having diseased trees removed in a timely fashion, and that is the best way to try and get ahead of the disease curve,” Lok said. “It requires buy-in from everyone, and when a diseased tree is identified on private property, the property owner needs to take action and have the infected tree removed.” 

A sad aspect of the lost trees is that many are part of the mature tree canopy in long-established neighbourhoods in the city. Lok said the City recognizes that losing those trees is a detriment to the community. 

“Capital budget money has been allocated to establish an urban tree management plan in 2026, which would include a replanting strategy.” 

How can residents spot an infected tree? Lok said partway through the season, once the trees are in leaf, wilting and yellow leaves can be seen up high in an otherwise healthy-looking tree. That’s the first sign of a tree being infected with DED. Anyone who suspects a tree has become infected should contact the City and they will have the tree inspected. Samples will be sent to the lab to confirm whether the tree has the disease. 

Lok said there is an easy way to slow the spread of Dutch Elm. 

“One of the leading causes of Dutch Elm Disease being spread is the cutting and transporting of firewood,” Lok said. “Residents are asked to make sure they know where their firewood is coming from and what species of tree it is. If you cut down an elm tree in your yard, dispose of the wood properly at the landfill.” 

Residents are also reminded not to store the elm wood or use it as firewood. 

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com