By Tom Boisvert
Conservation Program Manager, Lincoln County Land Services
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding shoppers to inspect their evergreen products for signs of invasive species before purchasing. In previous years, State officials have found evergreen decorations infested with invasive species that were being imported into Wisconsin from other states. Elongated Hemlock Scale (EHS) is one such invasive that has been found on imported evergreen products in recent years and poses a threat to Wisconsin’s forests and evergreen farms.
You can help by purchasing evergreen products that have been grown locally and inspecting your evergreen décor for signs of invasive species. DATCP recommends “To identify EHS, look for discolored needles and small brown, oblong scale insects on the underside of the needles. If you suspect EHS on fir wreaths or Christmas trees, please report it to DATCP’s pest hotline at 866.440.7523 and if possible, email a clear, close-up picture to [email protected].”
There are many Christmas tree farms in the Northwoods of Wisconsin that sell not only trees, but garlands, wreaths, and bows, as well. The Christmas Tree Producers Association has a list of these businesses on their website at https://www.christmastrees-wi.org/.