Dutch elm disease confirmed in Downtown Edmonton
August 24, 2026
The City of Edmonton has confirmed one elm tree in the Downtown neighbourhood has tested positive for Dutch elm disease (DED). This is the 17th confirmed case of Dutch elm disease in Edmonton since it was detected in 2024.
The tree is City-owned and located within the one-kilometer DED Protocol Zones established around previously confirmed cases. These zones include heightened monitoring, assessments and tree maintenance.
The tree displayed signs of the disease and were identified by City crews. Samples were submitted to the Alberta Plant Health Laboratory and the tree was proactively removed on August 14 due to being located within 20m of an elm previously confirmed to have DED.
Prompt removal of infected trees and any elms within 20 metres of them, along with a diligent pruning program to remove deadwood, helps reduce habitat for the beetles that spread the deadly fungus.
All removals of trees confirmed with DED are coordinated with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Government of Alberta. Ground surveillance and additional testing of trees in the area is ongoing. All elm wood is disposed of at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre following strict handling procedures.
DED confirmed in Downtown and Delwood Neighbourhoods – City of Edmonton News Release
August 7, 2026
The City of Edmonton has confirmed two new cases of Dutch elm disease (DED) in elm trees in the Downtown and Delwood neighbourhoods. The two trees are the 15th and 16th confirmed cases of Dutch elm disease in Edmonton since it was discovered in 2024.
Both trees are located on city property within the one kilometer DED Protocol Zone established around confirmed cases. These zones include heightened monitoring, assessments and tree maintenance.
Both trees displayed signs of the disease and were identified by City crews. Test results confirmed the disease, and both trees are being removed today as part of the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the deadly fungal disease.
Promptly removing infected trees and any elms within 20 metres, alongside a diligent pruning program to clear deadwood, is necessary to reduce habitat for the beetles that spread the fungus. For the tree in the downtown neighbourhood, nearby elms will not be removed at this time since the tree roots were contained and the risk of the ability for the tree to spread DED through root grafting is reduced.
Removals will occur in coordination with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Government of Alberta. Ground surveillance and extensive additional testing in the area will begin immediately. All elm wood is disposed of at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre, following strict, specialized handling procedures.
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.
August 1, 2026
The City of Edmonton has confirmed four new cases of Dutch elm disease (DED) as two trees in the Glengarry neighbourhood and two trees in the Rossdale neighbourhood have tested positive for the disease. There have been 14 total cases of the disease confirmed in Edmonton since it was first detected in 2024.
The trees were identified by City crews through a visual inspection. Test results confirmed the disease, and the trees will be removed as part of the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the deadly fungal disease. Prompt tree removal is essential to maintaining the health and safety of the urban forest.
All four trees are within the current DED Protocol Zone and the zone boundaries will be adjusted to include a one-kilometre radius around these new locations. The protocol zone is 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 metres, 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.