Residents can begin pruning their private elm trees again as the provincial ban lifts for the season today until March 31, 2019.

A provincial ban on pruning elm trees is put in place each year between April 1 and September 30 to discourage the spread of elm bark beetles, which can carry Dutch elm disease. The beetles are attracted to fresh pruning cuts and deadwood on elm trees. Proper pruning during the allowable period to remove any dead or damaged branches discourages infestations, and keeps our elms healthy and vigorous.

Parks Operations is pruning City-owned elm trees in public spaces across Grande Prairie during October.

Alberta has the last Dutch elm disease-free stand of elms in the world, valued at nearly $1 billion.

For more information about elm tree pruning, residents can contact Parks Operations at 780-830-5018 or visit cityofgp.com/trees.

Information provided by the City of Grande Prairie.