Dutch elm disease confirmed in Calder as province lifts pruning ban to allow 90,000 trees to be trimmed
Edmonton's 18th confirmed case arrives as the provincial restriction ends Oct. 1, clearing city crews to begin a massive pruning campaign across the city's elm inventory.
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A Dutch elm disease infection was confirmed in a Calder neighbourhood elm tree, marking the 18th case in Edmonton since the disease arrived in 2024. The infected tree is being removed and a one-kilometre protocol zone has expanded around its location, allowing crews to increase monitoring and tree maintenance.
The provincial pruning ban that has been in effect since April 1 will lift on Oct. 1, clearing city crews to begin trimming elm trees in Edmonton's inventory. The ban was imposed because fresh pruning cuts attract bark beetles, the insects that transmit Dutch elm disease. Once the ban ends, elm wood can be disposed of free at Edmonton Waste Management Centre or burned immediately—residents are advised against transporting or composting pruned elm.
Elm trees make up 22 per cent of Edmonton's open space and boulevard trees, making the disease a significant threat to the city's canopy. Eleven of the 18 confirmed cases occurred this year, raising concerns about transmission as autumn approaches. The city is coordinating response with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Alberta Plant Health Laboratory.
Residents should watch for wilting, drooping or curling leaves on one or more branches, or leaves that turn brown and stay on the tree rather than dropping normally. Later in summer, infected leaves may change colour and fall before the normal seasonal timeline. Another sign is peeling bark on infected twigs that reveals brown staining in the sapwood. Anyone spotting trees with these symptoms can report them to the City of Edmonton.
The facts
When will Edmonton's pruning ban on elm trees end?
The provincial pruning ban will lift on October 1, 2026, allowing city crews to begin trimming elm trees across Edmonton's inventory.
How many confirmed cases of Dutch elm disease are in Edmonton?
Edmonton has 18 confirmed cases of Dutch elm disease since the disease arrived in 2024, with the most recent case confirmed in the Calder neighbourhood.
What percentage of Edmonton's trees are elms?
Elm trees make up 22 per cent of Edmonton's open space and boulevard trees.
What are the signs of Dutch elm disease in trees?
Symptoms include wilting, drooping or curling leaves on one or more branches; leaves that turn brown and remain on the tree instead of dropping normally; and peeling bark on infected twigs that reveals brown staining in the sapwood.
