The Society to Stop Dutch Elm Disease (STOPDED) is once again encouraging Albertans to abide by the pruning ban between April 1 and Sept. 30.The aim is to mitigate risk that's already here, says Jane Fulton, Mountain View County's interim director for agriculture and parks services.ìFresh pruning cuts attract the beetles, which would then utilize the tree as their breeding ground,î says Fulton.Elm owners are encouraged to annually remove the dead wood and either burn, bury, or chip it before March 31. Fulton says effective pruning is a matter of trimming your trees within the government-stipulated window, a time at which the beetles are least active.ìThe native elm bark beetle, as well as the smaller European elm bark beetle ñ both which are potential carriers of DED ñ are already in Alberta.ìI wouldn't say it's a concern, but it's always great to get the awareness and the education out there,î says Fulton.She says the smaller European elm bark beetle has been found in previous years in Red Deer, Calgary, and Edmonton, to name a few.Gerard Fournier, an arborist from For Trees in Didsbury, says though elm trees are not native to Alberta, there are many planted within and outside town limits countywide.He says the fast-growing, hardy tree is a popular choice because of its vase-like shape, shade-providing canopy, and its structural tolerance of Alberta's harsh climate.ìBecause elms are not native to Alberta, we're one of the last regions in the world that hasn't been severely decimated by DED,î says Fournier.According to the Alberta Government's webpage, Alberta currently has the largest DED-free American elm stands worldwide.Fournier explained that pruning away the dead wood from the trees removes the habitat for the beetles that carry DED. For larger trees, he doesn't encourage homeowners to attempt such feats themselves.ìThe most common mistake people make is they're a little overzealous and liberal with their pruning, which is funny considering we're such a conservative province.îTravelling campers and the like are encouraged to avoid bringing firewood back into Alberta from other provinces or states.He says the elms of Saskatchewan and Montana in particular have recently faced the devastating effects of DED.ìYou'd be giving a killer a ride, as the saying goes,î says Fournier.Fulton agrees.ìWe don't encourage anyone transporting firewood,î says Fulton.ìIt's never a good idea.îOverall, Fournier says the Town of Olds has done well through the years to properly maintain their elms.ìMunicipalities tend to be fairly proactive when it comes to this, because it's a huge asset they could potentially lose.îTo read more about STOPDED, pruning techniques, and where to find a certified arborist, please visit http://isaprairie.com or www.stopded.org.
