Elm tree. Photo Credit: City of Grande Prairie

By Shane Clausing

elm tree pruning

Elm tree pruning underway in Grande Prairie

Oct 1, 2021 | 1:29 PM

City crews have begun pruning elm trees throughout the community starting today.

Crews from the City of Grande Prairie will be focused on removing dead wood from City-owned elms in residential areas and along major roadways and cleaning sites as they prune.

This annual pruning program is important to the city, to prevent any further problems with Dutch Elm Disease, as well as ensure the trees have proper structure and form.

Dutch Elm Disease is spread by the Elm Bark Beetle.

The beetles are attracted to freshly cut areas or open wounds of the three and can quickly infect any neighbouring elms.

Proper pruning techniques will remove any dead or damaged branches with discourage infestations. The pruning will finish on March 31, 2022.