How can we protect Saskatoon from Dutch Elm Disease?
Saskatoon is almost the last major city in North America that has a significant population of American Elms and no DED. American elms have no resistance to DED, so early detection is essential to prevent an outbreak. We are surrounded by sites that have active disease. It is only a matter of time before we have to battle DED in our city to save the 100,000 elms that provide charm and cool summery elegance to our streets. Be aware if one of your elm trees suddenly has wilting leaves on one of its branches. • Flagging is a common early sign of Dutch elm disease noticeable when the weather is hot and dry. • Other diseases also cause wilting, reducing the overall health of the tree. What should you do, if you see an elm tree with a wilted branch? • Contact Saskatoon City Hall (975-3300) or the DED hotline at 1-800-SASKELM (727-5356). • The city will send a crew to remove the branch, and have it diagnosed. You do not have to do this yourself, and there is no cost to you. It is far less expe
