Edmonton, Alberta | July 22, 2026 — The City of Edmonton has confirmed a new case of Dutch elm disease (DED) in the Calder neighbourhood, marking the tenth confirmed case of the destructive fungal disease in the city since it was first detected in 2024.
The infected elm tree was identified by City crews during a routine visual inspection after showing signs of decline. Laboratory testing later confirmed the presence of Dutch elm disease. To help stop the spread of the infection, the City removed the infected tree immediately on Wednesday.
As part of its containment strategy, Edmonton has expanded the Dutch Elm Disease Protocol Zone to include a one-kilometre radius around the infected tree. Within this zone, City crews will carry out increased inspections, tree maintenance, and the proactive removal of one additional elm tree to reduce the risk of further transmission.
Dutch elm disease is a highly contagious fungal infection that spreads primarily through elm bark beetles and underground root systems. The disease poses a serious threat to Edmonton’s urban forest, where elm trees account for approximately 22 per cent of the City’s Open Space and Boulevard Tree Inventory, totaling around 90,000 trees.
To protect healthy elm trees, the City continues to remove infected trees promptly and any elm trees located within 20 metres of confirmed infections when necessary. Regular pruning to remove deadwood also helps eliminate breeding habitats for the beetles responsible for spreading the fungus.
All elm wood removed during pruning or tree removal is transported to the Edmonton Waste Management Centre, where it is disposed of under strict handling procedures to prevent the disease from spreading.
City officials continue to monitor elm trees across Edmonton and encourage residents to report any trees showing signs of unusual decline, helping preserve one of the city’s most valuable urban tree populations.
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