Preventing Dutch Elm Disease

Pruning elm trees is illegal in Alberta from April 1 to September 30, due to Dutch Elm Disease (DED).
 
DED is a fungal disease spread by elm bark beetles that blocks a tree’s ability to move water and nutrients.
 
Signs of DED include wilting or curling leaves, dark streaks under the bark, leaves dropping out of season, and 'flagging' (brown and yellow leaves that stay on).
 
You can help prevent the spread of DED by pruning only at allowed times, reporting distressed trees, properly disposing of infected wood (burning it), and not transporting firewood.
 
As of 2017, Peace River has an estimated 600 elm trees.