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Dutch Elm Disease Control
Program What the
City is doing to fight Dutch Elm Disease? The
City of Regina has an integrated Dutch Elm Disease (DED) management program in
place. By following this seven step program we are attempting to prevent the establishment
of DED within city limits and limit the number of trees lost to the disease. Step
1
Monitoring and Surveillance is done by visual inspection. City staff
monitors all elm trees through systematic survey to look for flagging symptoms
on City-owned and private trees. The whole city is covered approximately once
every two weeks during the growing season. If trees look suspect, samples are
taken and submitted for laboratory culturing to see if trees have the DED fungus. Step
2
Pruning and Sanitation includes pruning to remove deadwood from City
elm trees and the removal of hazard trees and/or confirmed DED cases. No pruning
of any elm tree is permitted between April 1 and Aug 31 of any year. Provincial
legislation prohibits this because the sap scent from a fresh cut may attract
the elm bark beetle, which is most active during this time of year. All elm wood
from City pruning is burned to prevent DED spread. Step
3
Infill Planting with other species of trees is done when elm trees
are removed. Planting is done by City crews in spring and fall. Step
4
Elm Bark Beetle Spraying is done in fall to decrease populations of
elm bark beetles. Elm bark beetles transport the fungus that causes DED. Elm bark
beetles overwinter in the base of elm trees and can be sprayed spring and fall
when they are emerging or entering the tree. To determine which areas require
spraying, bark beetle populations are monitored using pheromone traps. Areas with
higher beetle populations are targeted for spraying. Homeowners are informed of
spraying by pre-spraying notices. - Residents that have
sensitivities can call the Pesticide Advisory Line
for information on where and when we are spraying.
Step
5
Firewood Inspections and Collections are employed. Elm firewood is
ideal for bark beetle brood galleries. Provincial DED regulations state no person
shall "store, use, market or transport any elm tree for use as fuel wood
or any other purpose." If we find elm wood on private property, a letter
will be issued advising the homeowner to dispose of it. If it is not removed,
it will be collected and properly destroyed. Pest Management will inspect firewood
if people are not sure what their wood is or if someone reports suspect wood.
Collected elm wood and elm wood from pruning City trees is burned or buried to
destroy it. Step 6
Public Awareness. Education
initiatives have included radio, television and print advertising as well as brochures,
fridge magnets, tree ribbons and signage located at all City entrances advising
dangers of bringing elm firewood in the City. Television and radio commercials
have been developed and aired and media interviews are conducted to increase awareness.
Step 7
Research is a critical component of
the DED program. It allows the department to keep in touch with the latest developments
and assist in directing efforts towards issues relating to our climate/zone. We
have participated in the following research: University of Toronto genetic research,
GIS/GPS DED detection utilizing satellite imagery and bark beetle life cycle.
So far, we have been able to DED infected trees to
a minimum; to date we have had 40 trees with DED removed. As you can see by this
map (DED locations 1981 to 2005 .- 161 KB
Jpeg) they have been located throughout the city so all elm trees are at risk Help
Us Battle Dutch elm disease. | 
