Cases of Dutch elm disease on the rise in Regina

Dutch elm disease cases are climbing in Regina, and city officials expect the trend to continue. Mick Favel reports.

Cases of Dutch elm disease are rising in Regina, with 26 confirmed cases so far this year.

“We are seeing it everywhere. We do have more elms centrally located, we are seeing more cases in the central area,” said Ashley Thompson, the manager of parks technical services at the City of Regina.

Cases have been on the rise since 2024, when there were 84 confirmed Dutch elm disease cases, up from 24 cases the previous year.

This year’s numbers are on pace to reach 2025’s numbers, which saw 87 confirmed cases.

Jim Hunter lives in the Lakeview Centre neighborhood. He noticed a tree in his neighbour’s yard had discoloured leaves and called the City of Regina.

“It’s almost like having the months slip ahead to September, the leaves that were coming off. The rest of the tree was a nice healthy green,” he explained.

The tree was planted sometime in the 1960’s and was cut down by City of Regina crews on Wednesday.

Hunter said two other trees in the surrounding areas were also chopped down.

The disease is spread by an elm bark beetle which lays its eggs in the wood.

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Provincial regulations state elm wood cannot be stored, used, or transported for any purpose.

Trees with the disease can be identified by their leaves.

“It starts on one limb and kind of works its way up where the leaves will wilt and brown, but they will hang on the tree,” Thompson said.

“The city crews will then take a sample and submit it to the provincial lab,” she added.

Results can be confirmed as fast as a few days.

Thompson said the diseased numbers now will likely be the normal going forward.

Residents are advised to call 306-777-7000 if they suspect a tree may be carrying the disease.