This one block of Crawford Ave. E. has over a half-dozen trees that need to be removed. (File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Tree removal begins

Dutch Elm infected tree removal begins in Melfort

Sep 18, 2025 | 11:14 AM

The CIty of Melfort is having Dutch Elm Disease-infected trees removed.

Facilities Manager Marli Shepherd told northeastNOW removal crews arrived in Melfort on Monday.

Shepherd said 18 trees have been removed thus far from city property. The company indicated they would be in Melfort for two weeks to remove infected trees and grind the stumps.

Crews removing infected trees in 2024. (File photo/northeastNOW)

Last month’s Dutch Elm Disease survey indicated that there were 73 trees on public land that needed to be removed, and another 54 on private property.

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Shepherd said it’s unfortunate to lose the large canopy trees that make residential areas of Melfort so welcoming.

“They do such a nice job of making the streets more beautiful, and unfortunately with this coming through we do have to take care of them,” Shepherd said. “Together, Community Services together with Council is trying to come up with a plan to start replacing trees and just get a better tree plan in place.”

The City is trying to keep as many trees as possible but must remove Dutch Elm infected trees to prevent further spread of the disease. This year’s total of 127 trees is up from 102 in 2024 and 89 in 2023.

Infected tree removal leaves a scar on the canopy trees lining many residential streets in Melfort. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

“We’re keeping what we can and removing what we have to, and observing, maintaining,” explained Shepherd.

Trees infected on private property are the responsibility of the homeowner, according to Shepherd. Residents in need of tree removal can contact the City for recommendations on companies that are willing to remove infected trees.

Shepherd said whatever can be done to keep as many of the trees will be done, and the City hopes that the cases begin to decline as infected trees are removed.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com