Concerns around Dutch elm disease growing in Regina

The City of Regina has had seven confirmed cases of Dutch elm disease this week, which brings the total up to 17 this season, a notably high number according to experts.

The disease is caused by a microfungi called ascomycota, which attaches to elm bark beetles. It infiltrates a tree's vascular system and cuts off circulation. This is why the main visible symptoms are localized wilted branches and dead extremities, which are likely caused by a poor flow of nutrients.

Ray Morgan, the city's acting director of parks and open space services, spoke to the work that crews were putting in to prevent, discover and remove infected trees. 

"Our projection is that it's going to be a long season for Dutch elm disease," Morgan said. "We're about two weeks earlier than normal, which is concerning."

Morgan said the city has strong monitoring programs and removes trees as Dutch elm disease is confirmed.

"Besides that, diversification in our urban forest is a big factor."

There are approximately 180,000 trees in Regina, 60,000 of which are American Elm. According to Morgan, the city's trees were almost entirely elms 80 years ago, but now it is host to more than 20 species.

Once residents call in a suspected case, an initial inspection takes place, then samples are taken to a lab where testing takes just over a week. Then, if the disease is confirmed, city crews come and take down the trees and test their neighbours to prevent an outbreak.

"It could be just the stress on the trees with a lack of moisture," Morgan said, noting that drought conditions can hinder a tree's resilience. "If people are ordering firewood or storing their own firewood, please get it confirmed from the City or a contractor, whoever is supplying it."

The city urges residents to avoid storing or transporting elm wood, inspect trees on or near their property, and avoid pruning elm trees in spring or summer.

Residents can report suspected Dutch elm disease cases on the City of Regina website.