City To Start Elm Tree Spraying On Thursday

The City of Moose Jaw would like residents to be aware that from Thursday, August 17 to Friday, September 8 there will be completing its Elm Tree Basal Spraying Program.

The program is designed to reduce the numbers of elm bark beetles which carry the sac fungi which cause Dutch Elm Disease.

This spraying is being done to reduce the spread of Dutch Elm Disease which is fatal to elm trees. There are thousands of elm trees in Moose Jaw which make up a large portion of the city’s urban forest.

A sign warning residence that the City is spraying an insecticide to lower the number of elm bark beetles, and hopefully reduce the spread of Dutch Elm Disrase - MJ Independent file photo

The chemical being used is Pyrate 480 EC and it will be applied to the bottom 50 cm of City owned elm trees only, including those in parks.

Pyrate 480 EC

Although Pyrate 480 EC is listed for non-residential neighbourhood area use only on its packaging it is also allowed for the control of Dutch Elm Disease (DED).

In 2019 Health Canada told MJ Independent using Pyrate 480 EC is also approved for the control native elm bark beetles to prevent the spread of DED.

Health Canada did recommend keeping pets away from the sprayed trees for 24 hours until the insecticide was thoroughly dried as a precaution.

DED is a fungus which once it infects the tree causes a reaction by the tree which fills its pores to prevent the fungus spreading. Eventually the pores are filled to the extent the tree is robbed of nutrients and water causing it to die.

DED is called “Dutch” because it was first identified in Holland in 1921. The fungus however is expected to have originated in Asia.

The fungus disease first devastated elm trees in Europe and is now attacking elms in North America including here in Moose Jaw.

Prior to spraying, the area will be posted, adjacent residents will be notified, and trees to be sprayed will be marked with a colored dot.

If you require any additional information, or are chemically sensitive, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 306.694.4430 or use the “Report An Issue” feature on the free City Of Moose Jaw app.