The City of Edmonton has confirmed another case of Dutch elm disease (DED) within the city.
The City says an elm tree on a private property in Killarney was recently tested and was confirmed as having DED.
The tree is the fifth this year to be confirmed as having the disease and is located near the four trees that were confirmed to have it in August.
“City arborists and foresters remain vigilant as they continue implementing the established action plan, including intensified surveillance of elm trees in the protocol zone. This additional confirmed case does not change our approach as we continue assessments, removals and testing to contain the spread of Dutch elm disease,” said Mark Beare, Director of Infrastructure Operations.
The City says a one-kilometre protocol zone has been established around the trees, and they will continue to monitor them and the nearby area.
The tree in question was tested in late September, but initially had a negative result. Through continued monitoring, crews noticed a rapid decline in the tree’s health, and conducted another test at which point DED was detected on Oct. 24.
The City is reportedly working with the property owner about the removal of the tree in an effort to reduce the spread of DED.