Parks Operations is set to begin pruning Elm Trees throughout the city starting October 1, 2020 until March 31, 2021.

Crews will be visible in residential areas and along major roadways pruning dead wood from trees and cleaning sites as they prune.

Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is spread by the Elm Bark Beetle. These beetles are attracted to freshly cut areas or open wounds of the tree and will quickly infect any neighbouring elms. Proper pruning techniques will remove any dead or damaged branches which discourage infestations.

Provincial requirements do not allow elm tree pruning from April 1 to September 30. This is to prevent the spread of DED and is especially important now as the disease was recently confirmed in elm trees in Lethbridge.

It is important the City complete the annual elm pruning program in the allowable time frame to prevent any problem with Dutch Elm Disease and also to ensure the trees have proper structure and form.

For more information about Elm Tree pruning, please contact Parks Operations through the Citizen Contact Centre at 780-538-0300, email parks@cityofgp.com or visit cityofgp.com/trees.