Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is a fast-spreading fungal infection that is fatal to elm trees. It is primarily spread by elm bark beetles, which carry the fungus from tree to tree as they feed. DED can also spread underground through interconnected root systems (root grafts) between adjacent elms.

In just the last two years, Wolseley has lost 250 out of 1200 elm trees to DED. That’s 20%! If nothing is done to prevent the spread of DED, Wolseley could lose nearly all its elm trees in just a decade (Source: Trees Winnipeg).

Inoculating mature elms from DED has been successful in Wolseley on Newman St, Lenore St, in the Glenelm Neighbourhood, and Morden, MB.

Wolseley’s elms are only 80-100 years old. Healthy elms can live for 200-250 years!

​To maximize the project’s success, trees in suitable locations will be tested by an arborist to make sure they are not infected with DED. A tree will be inoculated only after it is confirmed healthy.

Arbotect 20-S is the only fungicide proven to provide three full growing seasons of protection against DED when injected into an elm tree’s root flare. When administered by certified arborists it is environmentally safe and highly effective.

The initiative is supported by the generosity of local residents, businesses, and community groups. The City of Winnipeg is not funding this project at this time. The Tree Committee is working on securing long-range funding for future cycles of inoculation.

​If we do not raise enough money this year, but have enough funds to begin the program, we will start by inoculating the highest-impact areas on a 3-year rotation.

​We will identify and inoculate other high-value elms (e.g. at R.A. Steen) or adjacent boulevards to Wolseley and Westminster Aves.