It’s now time “to start taking the dead wood out of your elm trees,” says Janet Feddes-Calpas, executive director, Society to Prevent Dutch Elm Disease (STOPDED). The only time it is legal to prune elms in Alberta is between Oct. 1 and March 31.

“This is when the elm bark beetles, responsible for spreading the deadly DED fungus, are not active,” said Feddes-Calpas.

But it is important to properly prune trees and STOPDED recommends using a professional arborist. Pruned elm wood should be properly disposed of by burning, burying or chipping by March 31.

For more info, go to the Alberta Agriculture website. To find an ISA Certified Arborist, go to isaprairie.com.