Horticultural Alert – Increased Monitoring for Fire Blight on Fruit Trees

Published on July 18, 2025

The Town wishes to inform residents that a case of fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) has been observed on pear trees within municipal territory. This highly contagious bacterial disease mainly affects apple trees, pear trees, hawthorns, and other members of the Rosaceae family.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Blackened, curled leaves that appear scorched
  • Withered shoots bent in a “shepherd’s crook” shape
  • Black spots on otherwise healthy leaves
  • Blackened or oozing bark in some areas

Why take action

Fire blight can quickly kill a tree and spread rapidly, threatening nearby fruit trees and even commercial orchards.

What to do if you spot these symptoms

  • Do not prune the tree yourself unless tools are properly disinfected
  • Take a photo of the symptoms
  • Contact the Environment Department: environnement@baie-durfe.qc.ca
  • Dispose of affected branches in the garbage, never in the compost bin or backyard composter

Prevention tips

  • Avoid pruning in wet conditions
  • Disinfect gardening tools after each use
  • Choose resistant varieties when planting new trees

Thank you for your vigilance. Together, let’s protect our arboricultural and fruit-growing heritage.

Official source: Canadian Forest Service – Natural Resources Canada

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