The City of Regina says the early season total for Dutch elm disease (DED) in the city is significantly higher than past years, presenting a concern about the disease’s continued spread.

According to the city, 16 elm trees have tested positive for the disease in Regina in 2025 and crews are currently removing seven elm trees from various locations across the city.

Ray Morgan, the acting director of parks and open space services at the City of Regina, said the numbers so far are concerning.

“If it’s this early in the season, our projection is it’s going to be a long season for Dutch elm disease,” he said. “We are about two weeks earlier than normal.”

The trees being affected by Dutch elm disease are located across Regina. There is not a pattern to where the disease is striking.

“Maybe there was a tree that was infected last year that was right beside it. We are seeing no specific areas. Some in the west, south and Cathedral area,” Morgan explained.

The City of Regina is urging residents not to store elm wood unless it is being taken to a proper disposal site.

“Elm wood is an ideal place for the beetles that carry the disease and lay their eggs, making this a key factor in managing the outbreak. Provincial regulations state that elm tree wood cannot be stored, used, marketed or transported for any purpose,” the city said in a news release.

The city said residents can help prevent the spread of Dutch elm disease by:

• Reporting suspected cases to Service Regina at 306-777-7000 or online at Regina.ca.
• Not storing, transporting or using elm wood as per provincial regulations.
• Inspecting trees regularly for signs of wilting, yellowing leaves or sudden branch dieback, especially in summer.
• Avoiding elm pruning between April 1 and Aug. 31, when DED-carrying beetles are most active.

The first symptom of Dutch elm disease is wilted leaves, a result of blocked water-carrying tubes. That is followed by leaves turning yellow or brown if a tree is infected in spring or early summer. Leaves may also turn brown and not fall off if a tree is infected later in the summer.