Dutch elm disease (DED) cases are on the decline in Saskatoon. After seeing 41 cases in 2025, a new city report shows 25 confirmed cases this year. Six confirmed cases were on the 200 block of Carleton Drive in August. That represented one of the largest groupings of DED-related elm removals in Saskatoon to date. One of the most notable cases in 2026 was at the Memorial Avenue of Trees at Saskatoon’s Woodlawn Cemetery, a national historic site in the city. Dutch elm disease is caused by a fungus that affects a tree’s ability to absorb water. The disease spreads from bark beetles, who fly short distances to nearby trees. The fungus can also spread when trees graft their roots together. The city says improper disposal of effected trees remains a concern. Twenty-two per cent of residents surveyed say they put elm wood in their green bins, as they believe that’s the proper way to dispose of it. Mayor Cynthia Block has proposed putting stickers on green bins, noting elm wood should be taken to the landfill, and not composted. “Residents spotting symptoms of Dutch elm disease and disposing of elm wood properly are our first line of defence,” added Konrad Andre, operations manager for City of Saskatoon parks. “Hopefully over time those numbers continue to lower.” The city says it’s not clear why numbers of confirmed cases fell in 2026, and future forecasting of DED is difficult. Saskatoon’s parks superintendent says the city has about 26,000 elm trees in the tree inventory. Saskatoon reported its first case of DED In 2015. With files from Laura Woodward and Chantel Saunders
