From April 1 to August 31 every year, it is illegal to prune elm trees in Saskatchewan.

"The ban coincides with the time of year when the elm bark beetles that spread Dutch elm disease are most active." Colin Arndt with the Ministry of Environment.

"Fresh cuts from pruning can attract tiny insects, increasing the chance of infection. In addition to observing the ban, there are things you can do to help protect your community’s elm trees.  Prune your elms before or after the ban period to keep them healthy and better able to resist all types of disease, including Dutch Elm Disease.  Removing dead and dying elm wood means fewer places for beetles to breed, which reduces the risk of infection.  Properly dispose of infected elms promptly throughout the year, including during the ban period."

"If you see an elm showing signs of Dutch Elm Disease such as wilting, yellowing leaves on one or several branches near the top of the tree, usually beginning in late June, report it to your local municipality.  Infected wood spreads Dutch Elm Disease." He adds, "It is illegal to use, transport, store or sell elm firewood, but if a branch breaks due to storms, you must dispose of it at the nearest landfill."

If people fear their elms may be infected, Arndt urged them to contact their municipality to come by and take a sample of the bark. Owners can also send a sample to a lab in Regina that performs tests for free.

However, if a tree does catch Dutch Elm Disease, the only remedy is to take it down as there is no cure.

“The longer you leave a diseased tree standing, the more it can spread,” Arndt said, noting the cost to remove trees can quickly add up if multiple are infected. If you hire a professional to prune your trees, make sure they are qualified. In Saskatchewan, commercial pruners of elm trees must complete a recognized training program or be under the supervision of someone who has the necessary training.  Improper pruning can spread Dutch Elm Disease and other diseases.

This can become an issue for municipalities as American Elms are commonly used in urban planning as they are aesthetically pleasing and provide ample shade in the summer.