It’s nearly time for those with elm trees on their properties to put away the pruning shears.

The Saskatchewan government says the annual ban on pruning elm trees in the province starts next Friday and runs until Aug. 31. It’s illegal to prune elm trees in that time frame to help stop the spread of Dutch elm disease.

The government said fresh cuts on elm trees can attract the elm bark beetles that spread Dutch elm disease. The bugs become more active as the weather warms up.

“The beetles breed in dead and dying elm wood, so pruning your trees before or after the ban period helps reduce beetle populations,” the government said in a media release. “This will also help keep your trees healthy and better able to resist disease.”

People can cut down elm trees, but they have to get rid of the wood properly at designated sites in their area. It’s illegal to transport, store or sell elm firewood or logs.

More information is available by calling municipalities or the Ministry of Environment Inquiry Centre at 1-800-567-4224, or by visiting saskatchewan.ca/forestry.

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