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Elm Pruning Ban is over until March 31 in Alberta

Elm Pruning Ban is over until March 31 in Alberta
By Janet Feddes-Calpas, Society to Prevent Dutch Elm Disease Executive Director

2026

Elm sanitation such as removal and proper disposal of dead wood and dead elms is essential to an integrated Dutch Elm Disease (DED) prevention program.  The only time it is legal to prune elms in Alberta is between October 1 to March 31.  This is when the elm bark beetles, responsible for spreading the deadly DED fungus, are not active.

Elm bark beetles feed on healthy elms and breed and over winter in dead and dying elm trees.  If elm trees are pruned between April 1 and September 30, these vectors of the disease will be drawn to the scent of the fresh pruning cuts, potentially attracting beetles infested with the DED fungus and infecting your otherwise healthy elm.

Having your tree pruned properly is important.  A professional arborist can determine what type of pruning is necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance and safety of your trees.  Topping or removing an excessive amount of live wood is not recommended, will weaken the tree’s structure and shorten its lifespan.  It is essential that all dead elm wood be removed and properly disposed of by burning, burying or chipping by March 31.  It is also illegal to store elm firewood.

 Alberta is still free of DED although the City of Edmonton confirmed 18th cases of DED since it was first detected in 2024.  All infected trees were immediately removed and disposed of as per the Government of Alberta’s DED Prevention and Control Measures which are enforceable under the Agricultural Pests Act. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) was also involved. All elm wood was disposed of at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre, following strict, specialized handling procedures.

Elm tree inspections are still ongoing in Edmonton. To date, their Pest Lab completed 193,016 visual inspections of elms. STOPDED contracted Living Tree Environmental Ltd. to conduct a cost share comprehensive DED survey in Redwater, Devon, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc and Morinville in 2026 and St. Albert, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Beaumont, and Sherwood Park in 2025. No DED was found.

There is no cure once an elm is infected but DED can be prevented.  We must stay vigilant to keep our elms healthy.

For more information on how to prevent DED call the STOPDED hotline at 1-877-837-ELMS or check out the web site at www.stopded.org. 

We must stay vigilant to keep our elms healthy. DED can be prevented.

https://www.alberta.ca/society-to-prevent-dutch-elm-disease.aspx

Your Ultimate Guide to GISC 2026

Rooted In Innovation:  Growing Smarter for Tomorrow

The Green Industry is evolving—and so are we. Join us at the 2026 Green Industry Show & Conference as we explore cutting-edge solutions, smart practices, and innovative ideas that will shape the future of horticulture. Rooted in Innovation, we’re growing smarter for tomorrow—together.

What to Expect
100+ Exhibitors showcasing the latest in landscape and horticulture
25+ Educational Sessions led by industry thought leaders
1500+ Attendees from across the green industry spectrum

This event is a must-attend for industry professionals looking to expand their network. Our conference attendees can look forward to amazing keynotes and educational sessions that provide valuable insights and practical advice.

Early Bird Pricing Ends November 1 - Act Now to Save!

 

Can’t-Miss Social & Networking Events

Beyond the trade show floor, GISC 2026 offers four signature events designed to spark connections and celebrate our vibrant community:

Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers Auction

Red Deer Resort & Casino

Tuesday, November 17

Enjoy a lively evening of bidding and camaraderie at this annual favorite, featuring both live and silent auctions plus a delicious dinner.

AGGA Garden Party

Red Deer Resort & Casino

Wednesday, November 18 at 5:30 PM

Celebrate excellence in horticulture with food, drinks, and networking. Awards for Grower of the Year, Meritorious Service, and the Herb Knodel Award will be announced.

GISC Kingpin Klassic

The Gutter, 5118 47 Ave, Red Deer, AB

Wednesday, November 18 at 5:30 PM

End the first day of the Green Industry Show & Conference with an evening of friendly competition, great food, and relaxed networking at The Gutter in Red Deer. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or just in it for the laughs, this social event is sure to be a great time!

Build a Team or Bowl Just for Fun!

 

More Ways to Engage

Job Board: Post or explore career opportunities right on the trade show floor.

Plant ID Challenge: Pick up your PLANT ID ANSWER FORM on-site. Visit all the participating exhibitors to check out their plant. Make a guess on your form, collect your stamp, and drop your form in the Plant ID entry boxes! Passports are available at the registration desk or at the Landscape Alberta booth.

Continuing Education Credits: Earn CEUs for ISA, LHCP, and Pesticide Applicator Re-certification through select sessions.

 

GISC is proudly managed by Landscape Alberta, a voluntary trade association committed to advancing the ornamental horticulture industry across Alberta and Canada. Connect with innovators, grow your vision, and help build the future of the green industry in Western Canada one professional at a time.

Applications and nominations are open for the 2027 CNLA Business Awards of Excellence

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) is accepting applications and nominations for the 2027 CNLA Business Awards of Excellence. The awards recognize Canadian companies and individuals whose leadership, ideas, business practices and service are making a measurable difference across the horticulture and landscape industry.

The 2027 program includes nine awards: Best Business Practices, Most Innovative Business, Sustainable Solutions, Outstanding Volunteer, Emerging Leader, Green for Life Industry, Landscaper of Distinction, Garden Centre of Distinction and Grower of Distinction.

Companies may apply directly for seven award categories or be nominated by others. The Outstanding Volunteer Award and Emerging Leader Award are nomination-only.

Applications and nominations close on September 30, 2026. Recipients will be recognized in Victoria, British Columbia, in March 2027 as part of the CNLA Leadership Summit and Business Awards of Excellence.

CALL TO ACTION

Review the award categories and submit an application or nomination here: [ Explore the Awards ]

ABOUT BAE

The CNLA Awards of Business Excellence celebrate Canadian companies and members who raise the bar for professionalism in the horticulture and landscape industry. These awards spotlight real results. Strong leadership. Smart innovation. Sound business practices. Lasting community impact.

ABOUT CNLA

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association represents Canada's nursery and landscape industry through a national network of provincial association partners. CNLA supports professional development, business growth and a stronger horticulture and landscape sector across the country.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Stuart Service
Media Coordinator
stuart@cnla-acpp.ca
1 888 446 3499

Counter tariffs on some US-sourced inputs come into effect on September 8, 2026

On Friday, August 28, the federal government amended the list of goods imported from the US that will be subject to counter tariffs. These counter tariffs are scheduled to go into effect on September 8, 2026.

The updated, full list of HS codes for which tariffs will apply can be found here.

Some of the items that could impact nursery/landscape/retail, so we recommend reviewing the list carefully:

4819.10.00 Cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard 50%
7322.19.10 Radiators for central heating and hot air distributors including motor-driven fan or blower and parts thereof, of iron or steel - for heated buildings 25%
8413.91.00 Pumps for liquids, whether or not fitted with a measuring device; liquid elevators 25%
8427.10.10 Fork lift trucks 15%
8433.11.00 Mowers for lawns, parks or sportsgrounds: Powered with the cutting device rotating in a horizontal plane 25%
8433.20.00 Other mowers including cutting bars for tractor mounting 15%
8433.90.00   - Parts 15%
8517.13.00 Telephones, including smartphones 50%
8528.59.90 Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus  
8716.39.10 Trailers and semi-trailers 25%
8716.39.20 Other trailers and semi-trailers for the transport of goods: Other: Farm, logging or freight wagons 25%

 

We still recommend that you engage with your broker to have them confirm or identify if any of your US-sourced inputs will be subject to these tariffs.

Pending approval of the Governor in Council, it is the government’s intention for the new counter tariffs to benefit from remission in line with existing relief.

  • Product and company-specific remission that has been implemented under the United States Surtax Remission Order will apply to the new tariff measures, in accordance with the terms of the Order.  For example, steel goods currently eligible for remission of the 25% tariff would benefit from relief of the 50% tariff.
  • In addition, the new tariff measures will be eligible for horizontal remission under the United States Surtax Remission Order covering the following goods/purposes until June 30, 2027:
    • All goods for use by identified public health, public safety and national security entities
    • Steel goods for use in auto and aerospace manufacturing
    • Non-steel goods for use in manufacturing, processing, food and beverage packaging and agricultural production in Canada
  • Manufacturing and agricultural production are broadly defined as including all activities under NAICS Chapter 31-33and NAICS Chapter 11 (including forestry, fishing and hunting).

Please contact Jamie Aalbers (jamie@canadanursery.com) if you experience any difficulties with imports from the US as these measures come into effect. As more information becomes available, we will be sure to post another update to notify all members.

Calgary Water Restrictions – Updates

November 6, 2026

Commercial river water pick up

To support businesses during restrictions, The City will provide a river water pick-up station as an alternative water source. Businesses can fill their water trucks at the following locations free of charge.

Water from this location is non-potable, not safe for drinking, and only to be used for construction and landscaping activities.

Pick-up location
Ogden Boat Launch: 3303 Bow River Pathway
Hours of operation starting Nov 4: Open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

When picking up water, please provide:

  • Company name
  • License plate of the vehicle and the trailer, if applicable
  • Intended use of the water
  • Estimated volume of water filled

The station is expected to remain open during Stage 4 restrictions, though operations may be suspended if river conditions, site conditions or other safety concerns pose a risk to customers or staff.

Update as of November 1, 2026

Construction on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Replacement Project is nearing completion, with approximately 95 per cent of the new feeder main now installed. We're on track to begin connecting the new feeder main to the existing water system beginning on November 4.

To safely complete this work, the existing Bearspaw South Feeder Main must be temporarily shut down. During this period, Calgary will rely primarily on a single water treatment plant to supply the city and parts of the region, significantly reducing the amount of water that can be distributed.

As a result, Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions and indoor water conservation measures will be in effect beginning November 4 for approximately four weeks. During this time, everyone has a role to play in reducing water while this important work is completed.

Stay informed
With Stage 4 water restrictions now one week away, the Water Emergency Operations Centre (H2OC) has been activated. Starting next week, we'll keep you informed of any significant updates to our progress connecting the new pipe or managing water demand.

Resources to help you prepare and share information

Whether you're preparing your organization, supporting your staff or sharing information with your networks, we have resources to help:

  • Calgary.ca/savewater: Find an overview of Stage 4 water restrictions, indoor water-saving guidance, FAQs and downloadable resources including posters, handouts and social media content. You can also track Calgary's daily water demand through the online dashboard. 
  • Calgary.ca/savewateratwork: Get sector-specific advice to help reduce non-essential water use without compromising safety or quality. 
  • Calgary.ca/savewaterconstruction: Find guidance for construction and renovation activities, including permitted outdoor water use, alternative water sources and project planning considerations.
Landscape Alberta has worked closely with the City of Calgary over the last two years to ensure communication is targeted to our industry and that our voices are heard.  This late fall timeline is quite an advantage to the original timelines discussed and we truly hope this has allowed for a strong finish to the 2026 season.

Update as of October 14, 2026

October 14 [Calgary, AB] - Starting November 4, Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions and indoor water conservation measures will be in effect for approximately four weeks while crews connect the new Bearspaw South Feeder Main to Calgary's existing water system.

Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions mean no outdoor water use is permitted, including:

  • No watering lawns, gardens, flowers, trees or shrubs using City water.
  • No washing down outdoor surfaces, including exterior building surfaces, windows, sidewalks, driveways or walkways, unless required for health and safety reasons.
  • No filling outdoor decorative features, fountains, pools or hot tubs.
  • No water use for construction purposes such as grading, compaction or dust control. For details on how restrictions apply to the construction industry, visit this webpage.
  • No washing vehicles outdoors, unless required for health and safety reasons.
  • No outdoor snow or ice making.

The stage four restrictions were originally planned to begin this week, but due to supply chain delays the work has been pushed back.  This is great news for the landscape industry as it allows crucial work to continue through to the beginning of November.   After November 4th, members should plan that any outdoor water usage is done using non-potable sources from surrounding areas.    We will continue to updated industry through the process, including updates to prepare for spring 2027.

Update as of September 11, 2026

*UPDATE 1*

The City of Calgary has updated Landscape Alberta about critical infrastructure repairs that will starting the week of September 14th for approximately 6 days, at this time they DO NOT anticipate any water restrictions during the repairs.  The work includes shutting down of the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant reducing capacity in the system.  Forecasted cooler temperatures and lower seasonal water use are expected to help keep overall water demand below the available system capacity while the work is underway.

 

*UPDATE 2*

Stage 4 restrictions planned for mid-October are still on but will now be delayed by one or two weeks to late October. (with work planned for 4 weeks once started).  Stage 4 is a complete outdoor watering ban using city potable water sources.  There are no exemptions for establishment or other during Stage 4.  Landscape Alberta will continue to work with the City of Calgary to bring you updates as we approach the critical end of year push.

Full list of water restrictions by stage can be found here.  https://www.calgary.ca/water/drought/outdoor-water-restrictions.html

The City of Calgary has informed Landscape Alberta about critical infrastructure repairs that will likely require Stage 2 water restrictions beginning the week of September 14th for approximately 6 days.  The work includes shutting down of the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant reducing capacity in the system.

Stage 2 does not eliminate outdoor water usage but does require some activities to be reduced.  Changes include:

  • Lawn watering, existing. Reduced to 1 x per week between 19:00h and 10:00h. Tier One water managed sites reduce watering by 20% and Tier Two by 25%.
  • Watering of gardens, trees and shrubs, established. Reduce to 1 x per week as above.  Exception for hand watering.
  • Watering new grass seed (21 days) & sod (45 days).   Water Managed Sites must reduce water usage by 20% for Tier One and 25% for Tier Two.
  • Watering for new trees and shrubs (5 years).
  • Watering edible food crops. Allowed
  • Watering plants for commercial sale or donation.
  • Testing and auditing of irrigation systems. Allowed.
  • Washing sidewalks, walkways, driveways. Not allowed.
  • Filling of fountains or decorative features. Not allowed.
  • Water use for construction or renovation purposes.

Full list of water restrictions by stage can be found here.  https://www.calgary.ca/water/drought/outdoor-water-restrictions.html

The above summary of impacts from Stage 2 restrictions is in addition to the previously announced Stage 4 restrictions planned for mid-October.  Stage 4 is a complete outdoor watering ban using city potable water sources.  There are no exemptions for establishment or other during Stage 4.  Landscape Alberta is working with the City of Calgary to explore options for non-potable water sources for the landscape industry during the end of season push.

National Awards of Landscape Excellence winners announced in St. John’s

August 13, 2026, St. John’s, N.L. — The 23rd annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE) winners were announced August 11 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

The National Awards of Landscape Excellence celebrate Canadian companies and communities that demonstrate excellence, innovation and professionalism across the landscape industry. Each province nominates members from its provincial Awards of Excellence, with the top projects competing nationally. The awards recognize excellence in commercial and residential landscape construction, commercial and residential landscape maintenance and landscape design.

The 2026 awards also recognized outstanding achievement in the use of plants, green innovation and landscape features, along with community-focused awards recognizing the role of horticulture and green spaces in creating healthier, more resilient communities.

This year’s winners are:

‍Caterpillar Green for Life Community Award
Winner: Trees for Halton Hills | 65,000 Tree Challenge

Green My City Award
Winner: 250 Wing, RCAFA Inc., Phase 2 of the Pennfield Ridge Air Force Memorial Arboretum, Pennfield Ridge, N.B.

2026 Communities in Bloom Award of Distinction
Winner: Town of Yarmouth, N.S.

Outstanding Achievement Award for Use of Plants
Winner: Rockscape | Lake Joseph Residence, Muskoka, Ont.

HortProtect Award for Residential Landscape Maintenance
Winner: Rockscape | Lake Joseph Residence, Muskoka, Ont.

‍Outstanding Achievement Award for Green Innovation
Winner: Canadian Rockies Landscape Corporation | Off Grid Oasis, Cranbrook, B.C.

Outstanding Achievement Award for Landscape Feature
Winner: VisionScapes — The Modern Luxe Landscape, Calgary, Alta.

The project’s defining feature combines a custom outdoor fireplace, precision stonework and layered lighting, demonstrating how craftsmanship and design can strengthen an entire landscape.

‍Home Depot Award for Commercial Landscape Maintenance
Winner: Para Space Landscaping Inc. | Avila & Bauhinia, North Vancouver, B.C.

‍Intrigue Media Award for Landscape Design
Winner: Vaast Design | Camp Canook, Muskoka, Ont.

‍Caterpillar Award for Commercial Landscape Construction
Winner: Urban Garden | The Bentley Rooftop Terrace, Toronto, Ont.

‍Caterpillar Award for Residential Landscape Construction
Winner: The Great Canadian Landscaping Company | Homage to Aker, Bowen Island, B.C.

‍2026 Grand Award of Achievement
Winner: Rockscape | Lake Joseph Residence, Muskoka, Ont.

Two companies from Alberta were named to the 2026 Circle of Excellence representing one the top scores in their category: VisionScapes and Alchemy Landscape Ltd. Congratulations to all the 2026 National Awards of Landscape Excellence winners for their outstanding contributions to the Canadian landscape industry.

For more information on the award winning projects and to see photos from the Awards Celebration, click here.

City of Calgary: Fall water restriction timelines now available

Landscape Alberta met with the City of Calgary this past week to discuss updated timelines for the planned pipe tie-in. Currently this phase of project is scheduled to begin October 13th and take four (4) weeks for completion. During this time Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and indoor water reductions will again be in place. This will allow time in November for the final phase (no restrictions anticipated) to be completed before year-end.

Exact dates and timelines might change based on a myriad of factors, but by releasing this information to Landscape Alberta members early we hope many will be able to mitigate impacts with robust project planning.

As a reminder this tie-in work was part of the plan since early in 2026. While the timing is not ideal, the long-term stability that this water-main replacement project brings for industry in future years we hope will be worth the short-term pain. Landscape Alberta has suggested a later start to the project, if possible, but realized that is unlikely given the amount of work required in this phase and the phase after.

A more detailed project description can be found here by the City of Calgary (https://newsroom.calgary.ca/bearspaw-south-feeder-main-replacement-project-remains-on-schedule-with-2-kilometres-of-new-steel-feeder-main-now-in-place/)

Members are encouraged to review fall installation schedules, irrigation plans, and plant material maintenance requirements in advance of the restriction period.

The City reminded us that while the timelines shared with us are best estimates, they emphasize that remains many other conditions that might trigger water restrictions or change the timeline, including another break in the pipe, drought, demand spikes during hot and dry spells or other critical maintenance.

If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me directly. (joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com – 1 587-404-1328)

Two more cases Dutch Elm Disease found in Edmonton

The City of Edmonton has confirmed one elm tree in both the Northmount and Rossdale neighbourhoods has tested positive for Dutch elm disease (DED). These two trees mark the eighth and ninth cases of Dutch elm disease confirmed in Edmonton since it was first detected in 2024. 

“These cases were identified by our integrated team of arborists, urban foresters and pest management biologists as they continue intensified surveillance and testing of elm trees across the city. We continue removals, daily assessments and testing in coordination with the province and Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” said Nicole Fraser, Acting Director, Parks and Urban Forestry.

The two trees were in decline and proactively removed as part of the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the deadly fungal disease. Prompt tree removal is essential to maintain the health and safety of the urban forest.

Both trees were on City property. One of the trees was in the established DED Protocol Zone in the Northmount neighbourhood. The other tree was located in the Rossdale neighbourhood. The Protocol Zone has been expanded to include a one-kilometre radius around both locations. These Zones are established in areas where DED has been confirmed to allow for heightened monitoring, assessments and tree maintenance.

Dutch elm disease is a contagious fungal infection that spreads easily to nearby elms. The disease poses a significant threat to Edmonton's urban forest, where elm trees make up 22 per cent of the City’s Open Space and Boulevard Tree Inventory, or approximately 90,000 in total.

Promptly removing infected trees and any elms within 20 meters of them, alongside a diligent pruning program to clear deadwood, is necessary to reduce habitats for the beetles that spread the fungus.

All pruned elm wood is disposed of at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre, following strict, specialized handling procedures.

July 14, 2026 - The City of Edmonton announced two additional positive cases for DED.   These two trees mark the eighth and ninth cases of Dutch elm disease confirmed in Edmonton since it was first detected in 2024.  Both trees were on City property, one inside the DED Protocol zone in Northmount and the other nearby in Rossdale (with an expanded protocol zone around each find).

The City is reminding residents about DED protocols including pruning ban, signs of the disease, non-movement of firewood and how to report suspected trees.

More info can be found in the news release here.

Time to check the elms for DED symptoms
How we can stop DED
- Check your elm trees for DED symptoms and report immediately to the STOPDED hotline at 1-877-837-ELMS
- Adhere to the annual pruning ban from April 1 to September 30th.
- Respect provincial regulations by not moving or storing elm firewood. Spores of the DED fungus are dispersed via bark beetles that burrow under the bark and lay their eggs. DED can be distributed over long distances in elm logs and in firewood.

Symptoms of infected DED elm tree: 
Flagging - when the leaves of one or more branches near the top of the tree wilt, curl, turn yellow and then brown, remaining on the tree.

Staining - an infected twig sample will have red streaks through the sapwood. https://www.alberta.ca/dutch-elm-disease-overview.aspx

There are other vascular elm diseases which are not as serious as DED and mimic the symptoms of DED. For this reason, a sample from the infected area of the tree must be sent to the Alberta Plant Health Lab to confirm if DED is present. A confirmed DED tree must be removed and disposed of properly immediately to prevent further spread. https://www.alberta.ca/dutch-elm-disease-overview.aspx

Firewood is confiscated from travelers at all the AB/US borders. There is one volunteer firewood bin east of Medicine Hat at the Dunmore vehicle and boat inspection site.

DED Regulated Areas Expanded (BC and Saskatchewan)

What Has Changed?
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has expanded the regulated areas for Dutch elm disease to include all of Saskatchewan and parts of south-central British Columbia (Kootenay region – near Castlegar) as of June 16, 2026.

This expansion is a response to recent detections of DED in Saskatoon (2025) and British Columbia (2024).

Why Is This Important for Alberta?
Alberta remains a DED - free province, and these new movement restrictions are specifically designed to protect Alberta’s trees and urban forests from the spread of this destructive disease.

The restrictions help prevent the movement of potentially infected elm wood, nursery stock, and bark beetles from newly regulated areas into Alberta.

Keep Calm and Carry-on
Municipalities, landscapers, and tree buyers in Alberta can be reassured that proactive steps are being taken to keep DED out of the province.  This includes the Clean Plants program, as well as firewood collection movement restrictions.

There may be increased public and media attention about DED, but the CFIA has provided clear contacts for information and support to reduce confusion or panic.

https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/invasive-species/plant-diseases/dutch-elm-disease

Alberta buyers should continue to source elm trees only from approved, DED-free suppliers and follow any updated guidance from the CFIA or provincial authorities.

Support and Communication
The CFIA encourages anyone with questions or concerns to reach out directly to their local inspection manager or use the provided contact information for technical support.

Ongoing updates and resources are available on the CFIA website to keep Alberta stakeholders informed or through StopDED (https://www.alberta.ca/society-to-prevent-dutch-elm-disease)

The expansion of regulated areas in Saskatchewan and BC is a precautionary measure to protect Alberta’s valuable elm trees and urban forests. Alberta residents and the horticultural industry should remain vigilant but reassured that strong safeguards are in place to prevent the introduction and spread of Dutch Elm Disease into the province.

Elm Zigzag Sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda)

The Elm Zigzag Sawfly is an invasive insect native to Asia that eats the leaves of elm trees. It is monitored by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) after being first discovered in North America in 2020. In 2025 it was found for the first time in Winnipeg.  It gets its name from the unique, back-and-forth pattern the larvae leave behind as they chew through the leaves.

https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/invasive-species/insects/elm-zigzag-sawfly/fact-sheet

CFIA Elm Zigzag Sawfly Reporting Page

More information on this pest can be found on the plant pest cards page. Cards can be printed for your convenience.

How to Identify It

  • Zigzag feeding pattern: Larvae carve a distinct "zigzag" trace between the leaf veins.
  • Larval stage: Tiny, legless, whitish or green caterpillars up to 8 mm in length.
  • Adult stage: Small, shiny black flying insects about 6 to 7 mm long with banded wings.
  • Cocoons: Found on the underside of leaves and enclosed in a loose, net-like mesh.

Impact on Trees

  • Feeds exclusively on elm tree species.
  • Can complete 3 to 4 generations per year, leading to rapid population growth.
  • Heavy infestations can cause severe defoliation, stressing the tree.
  • While it does not spread Dutch elm disease directly, stressed trees are much more vulnerable to the disease and other pests.

Where It Is Found

  • First discovered in Sainte-Martine, Quebec in 2020.
  • Has since spread into eastern Ontario, the Greater Toronto Area, and confirmed by CFIA in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2025.
  • Also widespread in parts of the United States.

Prevention and control   https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/invasive-species/insects/elm-zigzag-sawfly/fact-sheet

  • Aproceros leucopoda is a strong flier and can disperse locally. It is known to move by human-assisted means via plants for planting and hitch-hiking. Cocoons can be found on twigs and leaves; larvae or pupae may be associated with roots and soil.
  • At this time, raising public awareness of the risk of moving infested elm material is essential to help control and limit the spread of A. leucopoda in Canada. Elm trees can be infested with all life stages of the sawfly. Maintaining tree vigour and health, and a diversity of tree species (that is, avoiding monocultures) is one of the best methods to reduce and control infestations of elm zigzag sawfly.

Reporting the Pest

  • If you suspect you have spotted the insect or its characteristic leaf damage and to help determine the extent of its distribution, the CFIA is encouraging the public and all stakeholders to submit samples of any suspect pests they observe on elm trees to their local CFIA office. Suspect sightings can also be reported to the CFIA Elm Zigzag Sawfly Reporting Page
  • This information will assist in evaluating the extent of the infested area and the threat posed by this pest and will help direct the next steps for Canada.