1.21.2009

I used to work in North Dakota dealing with invasive species. I have always had a passion for the environment and keeping natural ‘terrorists’ away seemed like a good fit for me.

When I moved back here to Minnesota, I was shocked to realize how little was actually being done here dealing with things. It probably was’t lack of commitment by people, more about money, and the bottom line.

This brings me to my first topic, the Emerald Ash Borer.

The Emerald Ash Borer as you all have heard has been found here in Minnesota. It's a nasty little bug that can kill many trees, very quickly. Sadly it's host are the Green Ash trees that took up many of the places left bare from trees removed that had Dutch Elm Disease.

I am sure you, like me, wonder how it got here. Many people have blamed firewood. I think there may be some things more obvious that get overlooked as a cause. My primary concern; Trees from out of state.

Do you know where your trees, shrubs, and plants come from? There are many companies and nurseries located here in the metro. They order hundreds upon thousands of pieces of plant material from out of the state. For us the consumer, we are on a need to know basis with that information. There is no law forcing nurseries to disclose this information to the general public openly. I think it’s a shame.

With the housing boom, it created an unprecedented need for trees. Cities were requiring that contractors installed trees of a certain size to create a esthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly community- They looked to the cheapest things possible. Many times these were trees from out of state.

My first hand account with this was working with a large landscaping firm in the area. A primary part of my job was keeping track of inventory. We received many trees from out of state. Some of the places we purchased trees from were only separated from Emerald Ash Borer quarantine zones by an invisible county line. I don’t really think that’s a good enough justification to save a buck or two. It is the way of the world though, this point we will do anything to make a profit.

I can’t say for sure that the Emerald Ash Borer made its way here by tagging on a discount tree grown down south. However, it is a possibility that should not be overlooked.

I encourage you to ask questions at your favorite nursery hotspot about where the plants originated. Keep in mind when you go to a discount store that the there is a reason that may be a reason a tree can sell for $10.00.

It's a small step we can take to do our part in keeping this 'terrorist' out of our back yards, and our communities.