Spread of Dutch elm disease stopped in Edmonton after 25 trees removed, 55,000 assessed

Four Edmonton elms tested positive for Dutch elm disease in the summer. (Wallis Snowdon/CBC - image credit)
Four Edmonton elms tested positive for Dutch elm disease in the summer. (Wallis Snowdon/CBC - image credit)

The offensive against Dutch elm disease is paying off after the invasive fungus that kills elm trees was detected for the first time in Edmonton in August.

The city expected to fight the disease for years to come but mayor and councillors heard Wednesday that the fungus hasn't spread.

Coun. Anne Stevenson welcomed the news, recalling her initial reaction.

"I immediately assumed that was the end of our urban canopy," Stevenson said, noting many residents she spoke with feared the same.

"As the report today highlights, that hasn't been the case. The team has done a phenomenal job of responding and it's a great example of how we can effectively prepare, plan and act in the face of a crisis with collective action."

Dutch elm disease is a costly and deadly fungus that poses a threat to all species of elm trees in Alberta.

In some of Edmonton's mature neighbourhoods, boulevards are lined solely with old, sweeping elms.

The fungus was detected in four trees in the Killarney neighbourhood in northeast Edmonton at the end of August.

The three infected city owned trees have since been removed, as well as 21 trees identified as having potential for transmission.

One resident in the Killarney neighbourhood also removed a tree.

"I think this is a shining example of a well co-ordinated effort," said Coun. Karen Principe, thanking city staff and community members involved in the containment efforts.

"I'd like to also say thank you to the community member and the Killarney neighbourhood who took down their tree swiftly."

City staff have assessed more than 55,000 trees city wide and launched a campaign educating residents with elm trees on what to look for.

Signs include drooping and yellowing leaves in summer and brown wilted leaves that remain on the trees.

The city is also reminding Edmontonians not to bring firewood in from elsewhere, to properly prune elms during the colder seasons and properly dispose of branches and clippings immediately at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre,

A fungicide will be applied to elm trees in the spring when it's the most effective.