Saskatoon reports new cases of Dutch elm disease with removal planned

Saskatoon is grappling with a significant outbreak of Dutch elm disease, confirming six new cases on the 200 block of Carleton Drive in the College Park neighbourhood. These infected trees are mature and located in a row, representing one of the largest groupings of removals the city has undertaken to date.

In addition to the College Park cases, three more infected trees were found on the 800 block of Avenue C North in the Caswell Hill neighbourhood. These latest findings bring the total number of confirmed Dutch elm disease cases in Saskatoon to 22 for the year. This marks a substantial increase, following a record high in case numbers observed in 2025.

Thai Hoang, the city's director of parks, emphasized the impact of the disease, stating, "Seeing six mature elm trees removed from a single block and three on another is a reminder of the very real impact Dutch elm disease is having on our neighbourhoods and urban canopy." The city is implementing removal plans to slow the spread of the fungus, which is carried by elm bark beetles.

Surveillance and testing are ongoing in surrounding areas, with inspections targeting stored elm wood, a known carrier of the disease. Residents are reminded that transporting, storing, selling, or using elm wood is illegal. All elm wood must be disposed of at the city landfill free of charge. The disease, caused by a deadly fungus, spreads through elm roots and via bark beetles, leading to wilting, drooping, and premature leaf drop in infected trees.

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Seeing six mature elm trees removed from a single block and three on another is a reminder of the very real impact Dutch elm disease is having on our neighbourhoods and urban canopy.