Here in Edmonton, our elm trees are protected under a bylaw the City of Edmonton implemented in an effort to keep Dutch elm disease damage to a minimum. It is caused by a fungus that clogs the elm tree's water conducting system, causing the tree to die. The fungus is primarily spread from one elm tree to another by 3 beetle species. The beetles are attracted to weak and dying trees, which serve as breeding sites, and studies show these beetles can detect elm sap from unregulated pruning as far as two miles away. Once the beetles have pupated and turned into adults, they fly to healthy elms to feed, transporting the fungus on their bodies from one tree to the next. One sign of Dutch elm disease is wilting or curling leaves that turn yellow then brown but remain on the tree. Another sign is discoloration of the sapwood. This is typically observed when a portion of bark has peeled away from the tree. Infected elms may have brown or red streaks in the sapwood as opposed to a healthy creamy colour.
ATLAS takes great care to ensure our customers understand the importance of proper care for their elm trees. We want their elms to stay healthy and will not prune them out-of-season. The City of Edmonton bylaw allows for elm pruning between October 1st and March 31st. With only three weeks left until we return to elm pruning season it is important to schedule that work as soon as possible.
If an elm is beyond saving, either through a high beetle infestation or other causes, we are allowed to remove the tree. Many elms within Edmonton are located on City property but older neighbourhoods may have elms, located within your property boundaries, that are the responsibility of the City. We use tree map data and other sources to confirm ownership of any tree should it be in question. If the tree is a City of Edmonton responsibility we inform them through the 311 app then encourage the customer to do the same so it generates multiple requests. This generally expedites a response.
All dead elm wood needs to be removed and properly disposed of by burning, burying it, or chipping. Please note that it is illegal to store elm as firewood so we are unable to leave any behind.
Contact ATLAS today for a free assessment of your elms. If your elms needs pruning we can book you in for the work to be completed after October 1st or put you on a list for pruning service up to March 31st.
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