Tree replenishment on Saskatchewan Drive part of City of Weyburn's Urban Forestry Program

Anyone who enjoys a drive, jog, or bike ride along Saskatchewan Drive may have noticed a number of new trees planted in place of the older iconic ones.

This is because some of the older trees had to be removed due to Dutch Elm Disease.

Communications Coordinator with the City of Weyburn, Paige Tenbult said the replacement is just one part of the City's Urban Forestry Program.

"Every tree has a life expectancy, and we are battling a bit of a Dutch Elm Disease problem in the city," she noted. 

Tenbult said the issue is province-wide, "so we're not alone in that, but the part of our urban forestry program is to replenish those trees that we are losing to Dutch Elm Disease."

One of the many benefits of new trees is that they can find varieties that will resist DED.

"It's difficult with Dutch Elm Disease because it is a fungus, and once the fungus has attached to the tree, it's really hard to save the trees, so we do a lot of preventative maintenance."

Information on how you can help mitigate DED can be found on the City of Weyburn's website HERE.

This includes no pruning of Elm trees between April 1st and August 31st.

"Our Parks Department works so hard on trying to prevent Dutch Elm Disease. We do spraying, and we do cut down trees when we realize that they have been infected," she explained. "So planting these new trees, our focus this last year and the years to come, is going to be on our major boulevards like Sask Drive. So you're going to see a lot more of those trees."

Tenbult reminded Tatagwa Tree Day is coming up on Saturday, August 12th, and volunteers are welcome to sign up to experience tree planting first hand.

"We say about 50 volunteers is ideal," she said. Registration is encouraged so they know how many refreshments to bring on the day of, as they plan to plant 135 trees.

"So bring your families out. If you want to come out by yourself as well. It's a great family event. Kids can really help," she encouraged. "The holes are all dug by our staff. Our staff really do the hard work. The easy work is done by the community and it's just to get them out and make them aware of these new trees being planted and what our Tatagwa Park system is all about."

Registration forms can be found on the City's website HERE.