Dutch elm disease cases grow in Saskatoon [Video]

The City of Saskatoon wants help from the public in stopping the spread of Dutch elm Disease.

While it’s not a new issue in Saskatoon, cases are on the rise.

“It’s been in the city since the 1980s,” said Thai Hoang, director of parks with the City of Saskatoon. “We’ve had years where there are one or two positive results, but in 2023 we had four positive results.”

Hoang says Dutch elm disease (DED) is caused by a fungus that clogs the nutrient transport system of elm trees, causing yellow or brown curled leaves and eventually killing the tree.

Elm bark beetles get into the wood, consume it, and can transport the fungus up to two kilometres to other trees.

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Hoang says of the 91 samples sent for testing this year, the city has received results …