Edmonton Bans Elm Tree Pruning to Fight Dutch Elm Disease

0:00Edmonton is putting a ban on pruning elm trees, starting April 1 through September 30. The move aims to curb Dutch elm disease by keeping bark beetles away from fresh cuts, their release and attractive scent. City officials issued a public reminder this Thursday about the provincial regulation. These beetles carry the fungus and can spread it quickly if trees get trimmed during warmer months. Elm trees make up 22% of the ones lining Edmonton streets and open areas. Serving them would hit the urban forest hard, threatening its overall health and strength. Since the disease first showed up in August 2024, seven trees have tested positive. Look out for wilting leaves that turn brown, yellowing foliage dropping early or brown stains under the bark. If you spot those signs, call 311 right away to help catch it early and protect more trees. That's your update from Vancouver News today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with The Story.