*🌳 Dutch Elm Disease Awareness Week | June 22–30 🌳* Alberta remains one of the few places in North America still free of Dutch Elm Disease (DED) — but we’re constantly at risk. With pressure from both Saskatchewan and Montana, it's critical that we work together to protect our precious elm trees. DED is a deadly fungus spread by elm bark beetles, and once it infects a tree, it can kill it within one or two seasons. Alberta is home to over one million elms, valued at over $2 billion — and it only takes one infected firewood log to jeopardize that. *🚫 What NOT to do:* – Don’t transport or store elm firewood — it’s illegal under Alberta's Agricultural Pests Act. – Don’t prune elm trees between April 1 and September 30. *✅ How you can help:* – Keep your elm trees healthy and well-watered (until mid-August). – Prune only between October 1 and March 31. – Burn, bury, or chip any elm wood. – Report suspected DED symptoms to the STOPDED hotline: 1-877-837-ELMS. Learn more here: mdtaber.ab.ca/p/local-notices Let’s keep Alberta DED-free. Our elm trees are a legacy worth saving. 💚 #dutchelmdisease #dedawareness #supportstopded #mdtaber #treecare #dedfreeab #protectourelms