Informed purchases and adherence to state and federal regulations can
prevent spread of forest pests
ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Buying
freshly-cut evergreen trees and greenery to decorate during the holiday
season is a time-honored and favorite tradition. Unfortunately, harmful
non-native insects and diseases can hitchhike on these trees and
branches, starting new infestations in communities that were previously
pest-free. This has become such a serious problem that federal and state
governments now regulate the movement of Christmas trees, holiday
wreaths, and related material. Buying locally cut trees from established
vendors is better for the economy and the environment.
More than 450 non-native forest insects are now established in the United States. Federal and state
regulations require certain conditions be met in order to move Christmas
trees and wreaths out of areas quarantined due to pest infestations.
These regulations are aimed at stopping the spread of gypsy moth, pine
shoot beetle, sudden oak death (a tree disease), and other forest pests,
which can be transported on holiday plant material.
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