Invasive Species | City of Brandon

Dutch Elm Disease Management in Brandon

Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is an invasive fungus spread to American Elms via the native elm bark beetle. This disease has killed off many American Elms in urban forests, but with the help of the Province of Manitoba, it has been managed for a number of years. The Province of Manitoba's website provides, signs, symptoms, and the management program for Dutch Elm Disease.

Dutch Elm Disease is managed jointly between the Province and the City of Brandon. This program has been very successful in limiting the loss of elm trees in our community from this deadly disease.

How is DED spread from infected elms to healthy elms on my property?

A dead or dying elm attracts elm bark beetles, which breed underneath the bark of the tree. Beetles emerging from trees killed by DED are contaminated with the spores of the DED fungus. When these infected beetles mature and move to other elms to feed or spend the winter, they continue the infection cycle.

How should I dispose of elm wood?

Dead or dying elm trees can be removed entirely any time of the year. Elms should be cut flush with the ground and either burned, buried, or chipped.

Contact the Operations Department at 204-729-2285 or your RM office for on-site burning regulations and for the location of the nearest disposal site.

Can I keep elms as firewood?

No. Using elms as firewood, a major factor in spreading DED, is illegal.

When can I prune my elm tree?

You can prune healthy elms to remove dead or damaged branches anytime except between April 1st and July 31st. During this time beetles are active and would be attracted to open wounds which makes your tree more vulnerable to DED. Note: It is important to sterilize your pruning tools between trees.

Whom do I call if I suspect my elm tree has Dutch Elm Disease or for more information on DED?

For trees within Brandon call Manitoba Conservation at 204-726-6444 or City of Brandon Parks Section at 204-729-2148.

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle from Asia that attacks ash trees, and it is spreading throughout Canada and the United States.

Why should we be concerned?

EAB is highly destructive, it’s larvae feeds off the nutrient conducting vessels of native ash trees, killing the tree. EAB is hard to detect in the early stages, and once found, it is too late. In Brandon, we have a high quantity of ash trees (~15,000) and the presence of this invasive beetle would be devastating to our urban forest.

How can we prevent EAB from coming to Manitoba?

Please do not move firewood!

Do not move firewood long distances. Buy it locally and leave it where you bought it.

Be vigilant. Learn about the signs and symptoms of EAB and report symptomatic ash trees or ash tree products to Sustainable Development’s tree care line at 945-7866.

Tell others. An informed public is the first line of defense against this destructive pest. Learn more about EAB signs and symptoms.