The City of Steinbach is preparing to spray all Elm trees within city limits in late August or early September of this year for the prevention of Dutch Elm Disease.
All Elm trees are sprayed in Steinbach every other year in late August/early September, including trees on private property. The trees were last sprayed in September 2014, and are scheduled for basal spraying again in late August or early September 2016.
The City notes that a single piece of firewood can destroy millions of trees. Something as simple as bringing your own firewood when you travel to or from your favourite campsite could threaten and destroy thousands, even millions, of trees. Transportation of firewood is a common way for invasive species to spread. Hidden under the bark where you can’t see them, these pests are moved across Canada.
Stored Elm wood is a breeding ground for Elm Bark Beetles. Dutch Elm Disease is a fungus carried by these beetles. For this reason, it is illegal to store or transport Elm wood in Manitoba. All stored Elm wood spreads Dutch Elm disease by breeding Elm Bark Beetles.
The City reminds residents that if they are in possession of stored Elm wood, to please bring it directly to the Steinbach Landfill at 104 Hanover Road E. for proper disposal.
