Elm trees in Canora are in danger as the Town of Canora recently confirmed an outbreak of Dutch Elm Disease in the community.
At the end of last month, five trees on Second Avenue West were removed by a team from the Town of Canora Public Works Department. Testing was done on the trees, and the results were returned last week with confirmation that the trees tested positive for Dutch Elm Disease.
This is the first time that Canora trees have been confirmed to have Dutch Elm Disease, said Michael Mykytyshyn, the chief administrative officer. The elm trees that line Canora’s streets are the subject of many compliments the town hall receives.
During a census in 1999, Canora was the location of 3,697 elm trees. The town council wants to protect the populous and important trees.
Mykytyshyn reminds residents of Canora that there is a provincial pruning ban in effect until August 31. Elm trees may not be pruned or chopped down to make firewood, as the storage and transport of elm firewood is illegal.
“It is important to adhere to the rules to limit or eliminate the spread of the disease now that we know it is here,” Mykytyshyn said.
Dutch Elm Disease is caused by a fungus spread by elm bark beetles breeding under dead or dying elm wood, the Government of Saskatchewan website says. New generations of beetles infect healthy elm trees, which cause an outbreak. The disease’s symptoms include flagging, where leaves wilt and turn yellow and brown, but remain on the tree; and staining, where infected twigs have red streaks on the sapwood.
Anyone who notices an elm tree suspected of having Dutch Elm Disease is encouraged to contact the town office.
