Residents of Saskatchewan can use the last day of the Labour Day Long Weekend to prune their elm trees. Provincial regulations prohibit the pruning of the trees between April and August to prevent the spread of Dutch Elm Disease.

The city of Weyburn had some issues with Dutch Elm Disease (DED) this year.

"We had nine trees that tested positive for DED and all nine of those trees have been removed," shared Public Relations Coordinator for the City Adam Hoffart.

This is the highest number of trees with Dutch Elm Disease in the city in a number of years. So far all of the affected trees have been located in the northwest corner of the city. 

Hoffart said the City sent samples of three more trees that could be infected for testing and if they test positive they will be removed.

He said preventative measures are taking place soon.

"We're going to start basal spraying for the elm bark beetle and that's going to be starting around mid-September."

Signs of Dutch Elm Disease include wilting, yellowing leaves on one or several branches near the top of the tree. These signs generally become visible in late June. 

The disease can be carried in wood as well. This means it is illegal to use, transport, store or sell elm firewood.