Healthy elm tree

Dutch elm disease has been confirmed in Edmonton. This disease is a threat to our urban forest and a coordinated response is underway to stop the spread of the disease.

Residents must dispose of elm wood immediately through one of the following options:

  • Burn it immediately
  • Take it to the Edmonton Waste Management Centre at 250 Aurum Road for safe disposal. Fees apply for commercial disposal. Remember to tell the scale operator that you have elm wood.

Important:

  • Do not combine elm wood with food scraps or other collected waste 
  • Do not stack, pile or save elm wood
  • Do not take elm wood to an Eco Station

Dutch Elm Disease Confirmed in Edmonton

Dutch elm disease was confirmed in August 2024. The City of Edmonton has responded quickly in cooperation with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Government of Alberta to manage and prevent the spread of the disease.  

Dutch elm disease is a deadly disease caused by a fungus (Ophiostoma ulmi) that can affect any elm tree. Since its introduction from Europe about 1930, it has destroyed millions of American elm trees across North America. The disease is spread through tree roots and beetles which can transport the fungus to other nearby trees.

The City developed an action plan in 2020 for responding and containing the spread of the disease. This plan was activated in August 2024. Inspections are underway to assess and evaluate all elms in the vicinity of where the disease is confirmed. To help mitigate the risk of spread, the City is conducting targeted elm tree removals to reduce the habitat of the beetles that spread the fungus. City-owned elm trees with significant leaf death at the top of the tree, small elm trees, and elm trees in unsuitable growing locations, such as alleys, are being considered for immediate removal.

Letter to Arboricultural Service Providers