Check holiday greens for invasive pests
The brown spots seen here are elongate hemlock scale, found on the underside of evergreen needles. (DATCP photo)
Wisconsin experts are advising residents to turn to natural greens for their holiday decorating.
Households should check real greens to make sure they don’t have invasive plant diseases, fungus or bugs.
The best way to avoid invasive troublemakers is to buy decorations that were grown in Wisconsin.
Last year, elongated hemlock scale was found on Fraser and balsam fir wreaths, trees, baskets and boughs from eastern states. The scale threatens Wisconsin’s Christmas trees, native hemlock and balsam fir forests, as well as decorative evergreens. Wisconsin has more than 850 farms that sell trees, garlands and bows.
For a list of cut-your-own locations, visit https://www.christmastrees-wi.org/.
To identify the scale, look for yellow or brown needles and small brown, oblong spots on the underside of needles. If you suspect scale, report it to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection at 866-440-7523. If possible, email a close-up photo and details to datcppesthotline@wi.gov.
