The City of Grande Prairie has begun its annual tree pruning program across the city, running until April of next year.
According to the city, crews conduct elm pruning between October 1st and March 31st every year, aligning with the provincial elm pruning ban that extends from April 1st to September 30th.
This year’s plan will see tree pruning across several neighbourhoods including, College Park, Country Club Estates, Hilland Park, Pinnacle Ridge, Lakeland, and VLA.
Still, the city maintains they are “committed” to addressing tree maintenance city-wide, so residents who see a tree that requires attention outside of these neighbourhoods are encouraged to contact AccessGP so they can be taken care of.
Officials maintain pruning during this time period is “vital” to reduce the risk of Dutch elm disease, a deadly fungal infection spread by elm bark beetles. The city says by removing dead or unhealthy branches when the beetles are dormant, crews are better able to reduce the spread of the disease while preserving the health of the elm population.
