Only YOU Can Prevent Dutch Elm Disease

Did you know Edmonton is home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of elm trees uninfected with Dutch elm disease?

Prevention of Dutch elm disease starts by keeping elm trees healthy. During the colder months (October 1 to March 31), prune dead wood from your elm trees. Dead wood is a habitat for the insect that causes Dutch elm disease. (The City is responsible for pruning and maintaining trees on boulevards.) It is illegal to prune between April 1 and September 30.

To Safely Dispose of Elm Wood:

• Small elm branches can be bundled and placed at the curb with regular household waste. Bundles must be smaller than 1.2 m (4 ft) and 20 kg (44 lbs).
• Large elm branches and logs can be taken to special elm disposal bins at an Eco Station. Drop off is free. Branches must be smaller than 1.2m (4 ft) in order to fit the bins.
• Large loads (more than a half-ton truck) and commercial loads must be taken to the Edmonton Waste Management Centre. Disposal fees apply.

Do not to store wood from fallen or damaged trees, as this increases the risk of spreading Dutch elm and other tree diseases. Fallen trees on private property should be removed by a professional tree removal company. Do not keep or transport fallen elm tree debris for firewood.

Identifying Elm Trees

The elm tree has the following characteristics:

Green, toothed leaves that turn yellow in fall;

Bark that is deeply ridged and grey-brown in color;

A roughly vase- or fountain-like shape;

A height of about 35 metres (115 feet) and trunk diameter of about 175 centimetres (68 inches) at maturity.

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