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.

“Many people have become aware that moving firewood from one locality to another can create new pest infestations, and we want them to realize that movement of other forest products, such as Christmas trees, is another pathway for these insects and diseases to spread,” said Leigh Greenwood, Don’t Move Firewood campaign manager, The Nature Conservancy.

“The best advice is to buy or cut trees and greenery that are grown locally if possible, and when that’s not possible, to buy from a reputable dealer who can provide information about the origin of the products.”

Disposal of Christmas trees and other decorative greenery is also very important in stopping the spread of invasive insects and diseases. Trees and greenery should not be discarded in any area where pests that might be present on them can infect surrounding trees in the spring.

“Many people think they are doing the right thing when they dispose of their Christmas trees in areas where the tree can decompose naturally,” said Greenwood. “However, since these trees and greenery might be harboring pests that can spread to other trees, the best method of disposal is through a municipal or other tree recycling service.”

Following are tips for reducing the risk of spreading forest pests this Christmas. For the complete list of the “12 Tree Tips of Christmas” about decorating for the holidays with live-cut trees and greenery, please visit: www.dontmovefirewood.org/HolidayGreenery.

• Cut your own tree from a nearby national forest or state land, if possible. Permits are usually inexpensive, and it can be a fun family tradition.
• When buying a real tree from a vendor, make sure they are reputable local dealers. Fly-by-night operators are less likely to comply with state or federal regulations.
• Recycle your Christmas tree whenever possible. Many areas now offer a post-Christmas curbside pickup, and the trees are typically chipped or ground to use in mulch. Look for information specific to your area in your local newspaper.
• Don’t throw out your tree and holiday greenery on a home compost or brush pile – they could contain weed seeds or foreign bugs that can infest the trees around your house.

To learn more about how to prevent forest pests from destroying forests, log onto www.dontmovefirewood.org.

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