Worcester Spy – Better Trees Through Chemistry
by Erin - October 16, 2008 5:22pm
Getting rid of the Asian longhorned beetle has appeared to be a daunting task from the outset. We’ve learned that the ALB has been here longer than expected, spread farther than anticipated, and the only way to stop the spread is to get rid of host trees.
Yikes. Initially, there was talk of an eradication program similar to that used for an ALB infestation in New Jersey – eliminating both host trees and potential host trees near the infected tree, which amounted to a loss of 21,000 trees. A disheartening story in the T&G about the community in New Jersey that lost their trees made me think about how many beautiful trees we have throughout Worcester, and how the loss of many of those trees would feed a desolate, industrial look in the city.
Learning that only host trees will be removed, and potential host trees will be spared by being treated with a chemical which targets the ALB, brought relief. Relief that was wiped out once I pictured a USDA worker in a hazmat suit sticking a giant needle into one of the trees in front of my house.
Trees disappearing across Worcester: chilling. Trees receiving injections: creepy.
To be pragmatic, we don’t live in chemical-free environs now, and it’s tough to be completely green. If you use Advantage to treat fleas on your dog or cat, you’re already using Imidacloprid, the chemical that will be used on the trees. So if we can save the trees by using this chemical, rather than eliminating them completely – is it wrong to treat the trees?
Maybe. Use of Imidacloprid worries local beekeepers based on tentative links between use of Imidacloprid in Europe and Colony Collapse Disorder, a mysterious phenomenon of worker bees ‘disappearing’ from their hives. Disappearing bees may sound like a Hardy Boys mystery story, but if you think back to elementary school science classes, you’ll remember that bees are a key component in the pollination of our outdoor flora and fauna.
What do you think about the presence of the Asian longhorned beetle in Worcester, and the plans to get rid of the ALB? Practical, scary – or a bit of both?
Erin,
Thanks for the thoughtful commentary. Clear cutting the trees here in Worcester would certainly contribute to an industrial atmosphere. And I was not aware of the possible connection between Colony Collapse Disorder and Imidacloprid. It’s certainly good to be aware of things like this.
Maybe the best thing would be to cut all of the trees down rather than risk further disturbance to our local ecosystem. To us, it may seem like it would take forever for the trees to grow back. But they would grow back and in a healthy manner.
-Sanchez
I want to applaud the efforts of the City. City Manager Michael O’Brien fought against the complete erradication of the trees. City Council, the Department of Public Works and the Conservation Commission are working together and are all committed to do everything needed to work through this problem. We must remember that this is not isolated to somewhere or someone else. We should each be checking our own yards and, if we can, volunteering in the efforts. And get educated: don’t plant host trees, be responsible with your clippings/cuttings, and report any possible sightings.
I’ve gotten caught up in the City’s red tape before, but if you want proof of their action-based response to the beetles, visit local conservation society’s websites – they all refer to the City’s web page and phone/web references.
We are in the initial phases right now, and we will be dealing with the little critters for at least the next five years, possibly the next dozen years. Let’s stay patient, vigilant, and as helpful as we can.