Why We Turn Down Elm Work in July (And Why You Should Too)

Elm Work

Summer often seems like the perfect time for Elm tree trimming. However, when it comes to Elm trees, July is the only month when the tree care professionals will definitely say “no” to Elm pruning. 

 

The best tree services in Edmonton receive calls from property owners requesting that they prune the Elm’s low-hanging branches during summer. While it might cause inconvenience if the work gets postponed, it is a rather important decision, and there are concrete reasons behind such decisions taken by the professionals.  Since July is the peak season for Elm bark beetles, professional tree experts who agree to prune Elm trees are violating the law and endangering the community. 

July is the peak season for Elm bark beetles

Dutch Elm Disease (DED), a common disease of Elm trees, generally occurs when beetles are attracted to cuts and wounds on the trees. If the tree surgeon prunes the trees in July, the beetles will target the wood, increasing the risk of DED transmission. 

 

DED is a destructive disease that can kill mature Elm trees in a short time. The disease spreads rapidly from one Elm tree to another through communities and threatens the entire tree canopy of Edmonton. 

 

Hence, when you hire tree experts in Edmonton, they will avoid pruning during July, which is a high-risk season. 

Why should companies follow ethical tree care?

If a tree service company in Edmonton is willing to perform pruning in July, it raises concerns about the company’s ethical standards. According to Alberta regulations, this puts the individual tree and all trees in the neighbouring community at risk.

 

At Trusty Tree Care, we believe in following ethical tree care regulations. We prioritize the long-term health of the trees and also offer trimming and pruning services in compliance with legal and environmental requirements. Our commitment to ethical principles makes us one of the best tree services in Edmonton. 

When do the hazardous Elm branches need immediate attention? 

 

Although this is illegal, there are certain situations in which the Elm tree might need immediate pruning, even in July. For instance, if a branch is broken or completely damaged during a storm, immediate attention may be required to ensure the safety of people and property. 

 

Under such circumstances, the arborist will adhere to strict protocols to minimize the risk of disease spread. The team will assess the risk posed by the damaged Elm tree and plan the pruning accordingly. 

Focus on alternative tree species

While the Elm trees might be at risk, you can ask the arborists to take care of the other species during July. For instance, Ash and Poplar are a few alternatives that can be pruned safely during the summer months. With proper maintenance, you can encourage healthy growth in these trees. 

Protect Edmonton’s urban forest 

Choosing to delay Elm pruning requires patience, as a wrong move can hinder the well-being of the whole neighbourhood. Edmonton’s urban forest care thus depends on arborists’ wise decisions. 

 

Trust the experts who follow the rules. Call Trusty Tree Services for safe, legal tree care. 

 

📞 Call us for a free estimate 780.860.5500

🔗 Visit our website to learn more https://trustytree.ca/

 

Trusty Tree Services supports municipal and utility projects while delivering safe, efficient tree care to industrial, commercial, and residential clients in the Edmonton and surrounding area.

 

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