The annual rule, running from April 1 2010 that pruning the elm trees is illegal, has now ended. It will no longer be considered as a crime to prune the elm trees, effective from September 1. The time period from April to August is always considered to be the most active time for the elm bark beetles that lead to a high risk of spreading fungus causing DED (Dutch elm disease).

When the elm trees are pruned, more beetles are captivated to the fresh cut branches, causing more risk of DED. But on the other hand, Moose Jaw's Parks Gardener, Daily Lennox commented that it’s not only pruning that can lead to more Elm Bark Beetle.

He added, “It (pruning) keeps your elm trees looking healthier and it improves their health if you take the dead off, so any dead branches and stuff, the more pruning you can do the better it is”.

So, after this regular ban period, pruning actually helps elm trees to stay healthy and free from all kinds of fungus and diseases. It becomes less prone to beetles as the dry wood is cut off. Thus, now is the best time when people can actually work to maintain their elm trees, said Jeff Gooliaff, the Ministry of Environment's Insect and Disease Operations Supervisor.