What is STOPDED doing in Alberta / Why should we worry about our Elm trees?
Elm tree populations in Alberta are subject to numerous stresses. The most serious threat comes from DED, a fatal fungal disease that infects only elm trees. DED moves rapidly from infected to weakened trees on the bodies of European or native elm bark beetles. The disease can kill an individual tree in as little as three weeks. The whole population of elms in a community can easily be destroyed within a decade. Currently, Alberta is one of the last two locations in North America that is free of DED. However in 1998, one elm tree in Wainwright was confirmed to have the disease. The tree was immediately removed and burned. This tree was noticed to have typical DED symptoms by STOPDED employees while completing the province-wide elm inventory survey. Since 1994, the European elm bark beetle have been found throughout the province. Why do we need to maintain our trees? Trees add beauty and give character to communities. Trees reduce heating and cooling costs. Trees protect us from dangero
