Why not prevent Dutch Elm Disease?
In the midst of Dutch Elm Disease Awareness Week, which runs from June 22 to June 28, the City of Red Deer encourages all citizens to learn how to prevent this and other diseases that are deadly to trees. Alberta has remained free of Dutch elm disease, or DED, to date, but it is moving through Saskatchewan while other deadly tree diseases are moving towards the Manitoba border from North Dakota. The city reminds citizens that it is illegal to transport elm firewood in Alberta and recommends that people do not transport any kind of firewood. “Most residents are aware they cannot transport elm firewood because it can spread DED,” said Elaine Johnson, urban forester for the city. “However, we’re seeing the movement of other pests that are just as deadly to our trees and they’re also spread through firewood.” The emerald ash borer, bronze birch borer and mountain pine beetle are all wood-boring pest that live beneath the bark of trees and are spread by transportation of firewood. They atta
