And, like dominoes falling, the trees die. Sloppy gardeners can also pass the fungus from infected to healthy trees by using dirty pruning equipment. Horticulture experts suggest disinfecting shears and saws with methanol or gas line anti-freeze between cuts when pruning a tree showing signs of the disease. Always remember to disinfect equipment before moving to another tree. The contrast between Regina's tree-lined streets and the treeless prairie which surrounds it is one of the first things that a visitor or newcomer notices.
Trees are an important part of our urban landscape - but half of our trees are in danger.
The city of Regina is surrounded by the disease. It has been found throughout the valley of the Souris, Qu'Appelle and Carrot Rivers. The 1997 summer survey identified 1360 diseased elm trees in 18 communities and buffer zones. SERM coordinated the removal of these DED-infected trees this fall and winter. Newly infected communities include Katepwa Beach in the Qu'Appelle Valley, and Lumsden, northwest of Regina.