The City of Grande Prairie has an annual elm pruning program that starts in the fall on 3,500 City-owned elm trees throughout Grande Prairie, removing deadwood and addressing structural concerns. 

A province-wide elm tree pruning ban takes place from April 1 to September 30. This is one of the many protective measures taken to help control Dutch elm disease (DED).

DED is spread by elm bark beetles. These beetles are attracted to the smell of freshly cut elm wood, therefore no pruning is to take place during the summer months when the beetles are flying.

The major risk to Alberta elm trees is from the transport of beetle-infested or disease-carrying firewood to our region. Everyone must follow the provincial guidelines for the prevention and control of DED.

It is extremely important to adhere to the elm pruning ban, as well as the rest of the provincial Dutch elm disease response plan.

For more information on Dutch elm disease, visit:  https://www.alberta.ca/dutch-elm-disease.aspx

If you have any questions regarding the annual elm pruning program or trees in general, please contact AccessGP by calling 311.