News · June 12, 2025 · 2 min read
Why Are Elm Seeds Everywhere This Year? Hear Andy's Take on CBC
Edmonton's mast year for elm seeds — why elms are producing so many seeds at once, and what it says about the health of our urban canopy.
Why Are Elm Seeds Covering Edmonton?
City Tree's Andy Fitzsimmons was recently featured on CBC's Edmonton AM to talk about an unusual seasonal phenomenon: the overwhelming amount of elm seeds blanketing the city's sidewalks, roads, and gardens.
These papery seed pods may be a familiar sight to locals—but this year, the volume has taken many by surprise.
🎧 **Listen to the full CBC segment here:
**👉 CBC Radio: Influx of Elm Seeds (June 10, 2025)
📺 **Watch the news story on Yahoo / CBC here:
**👉 Elm Tree Seeds Are Everywhere in Edmonton — Yahoo News
Why Now?
Without giving too much away, Andy explains that this isn't a one-off issue—it's part of a bigger pattern linked to local weather conditions and natural tree cycles. In his words, this is what arborists call a "mast year"—a coordinated surge in seed production across many trees at once.
Whether it's the hot, dry summers, mild winters, or just the natural rhythm of mature trees, the conversation dives into what triggers this phenomenon—and what (if anything) property owners should do about it.
A Few Key Takeaways:
- The elm seed influx is not a cause for concern—in fact, it's often a sign of healthy trees.
- Weather patterns from last summer through this spring likely played a major role.
- While it may be a nuisance to sweep up, there are simple tips for yard maintenance and watering that can support urban trees through dry conditions.
More Than Just Seeds
As Andy points out, Edmonton is home to some of the most beautiful, mature elm trees in the country. In fact, Edmonton is known for having one of the largest stands of Dutch Elm Disease (DED)-free American Elms in North America.
To protect this incredible urban forest, the city has implemented strict DED prevention bylaws. One important regulation is the pruning ban from April 1 to September 30, aimed at preventing the spread of elm bark beetles that carry the disease.
These events offer a chance to learn more about how our urban trees respond to environmental shifts—and how we can continue to care for them long-term.