Trees Winnipeg warns of banding scam

Winnipeggers are being warned about a tree-banding scam.

Trees Winnipeg, also known as the Coalition to Save the Elms, has been receiving calls from residents about people showing up to band elms and claiming to work for the organization.

Some homeowners have been asked for money up front or are being given invoices to pay for the banding.

But the organization says it only sends customers bills by mail or email.

Tree banding keeps the wingless adult female fall and spring cankerworms from laying their eggs in the crown of the tree.

The bands are made from insulation and plastic and are covered in a sticky substance called tanglefoot. The adult cankerworm must climb the tree to lay eggs but get stuck in the tanglefoot when they cross the band.