Dutch Elm disease has been striking trees all over the province, but especially in the eastern half.

A Regina-based company has been hired to do the removal of diseased trees.

Early detection and removal of the trees is crucial to controlling the spread of Dutch Elm disease, which is spread by bark beetles. The province’s DED program manages wild elm trees in buffer zones established around high risk communities, including Balcarras, Estevan, Indian Head, Melfort, Moose Jaw, Regina, Tisdale and Wolseley.

Survey contractors mark the trees for removal, and the Northern Tree Inc will remove them in the fall and early winter.

The province reminds residents that it’s illegal to transport, store, or buy elm firewood. It’s not recommended to prune elm trees between April 1 and August 31.