HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- Finding the perfect Christmas trees is one of the highlights of the holiday season. However, with the recent invasion of the Spotted Lanternfly, many Pennsylvanians are left wondering if they should be hesitant about bringing a possible tainted topiary into their home. The experts at Giroud Tree and Lawn explain what to look for on Christmas trees before buying one.
Why Is Spotted Lanternfly Spreading So Fast?
Spotted Lanternfly came from Asia, where natural predators keep the species from multiplying too quickly. Unfortunately, here in the United States, it's spreading rapidly because those known predators aren't around to keep it in check.
Spotted Lanternfly and Christmas Trees
While Spotted Lanternfly have invaded Pennsylvania heavily in the last few years, there's not much cause for concern on your Christmas Conifer. The PA Department of Agriculture and Penn State have been working closely with the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association, and they have been diligently training all tree growers on proper inspection practices.
Although the Spotted Lanternfly has been seen on many species of trees, they don't appear to show an interest in the varieties used for Christmas trees. In a recent article published by the Penn State Extension, Tanner Delvalle, a horticulture extension educator explains, "Christmas trees are not a preferred host for spotted lanternflies, so the probability of finding a spotted lanternfly or an egg mass on Christmas trees is low and should not be a reason for anyone to forego having a live holiday tree."
Inspect Before Buying a Christmas Tree
Although the Spotted Lanternfly is a cause for concern, the bottom line is that homeowners should always check any live tree before bringing it home. All sorts of insects and critters can hang out in a live tree, so it's best to do a full inspection before purchasing. However, other than the occasional spider, homeowners can rest assured that PA Christmas Tree growers are adhering to strict standards and checking trees before they head to the lot.
Still, it's a good idea to know how to look for Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses. At this time of year, all of the adults have died, but they've left behind eggs which will hatch in the spring. These eggs are laid in rows of about 10, and they are covered in a clay-like gray colored secretion. To destroy the egg masses, use a credit card to scrape them off and drop them in a bag with rubbing alcohol.
Before heading out to the Christmas tree lot or farm, homeowners can watch Giroud's instructional video on Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses to know exactly what to look for.
Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association Executive Director, Denise Calabrese, states "We encourage all Christmas tree lovers to enjoy everything that a real tree adds to the season. It's a great family tradition and a way to support your local agricultural community. I know that it won't deter me from having a real tree in my home again this year."
About Giroud Tree and Lawn
Giroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, lawn care and mosquito and tick control programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal, traditional and 100% organic lawn programs and mosquito and tick control. Giroud Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to properly diagnose, treat and maintain trees and lawn health. The company is Accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association and Better Business Bureau. Giroud has also been awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award(r) every year since 2005. The "Giroud Treework for Charity" program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Company's service area. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.
Finding the perfect Christmas trees is one of the highlights of the holiday season. However, with the recent invasion of the Spotted Lanternfly, many Pennsylvanians are left wondering if they should be hesitant about bringing a possible tainted topiary into their home. The experts at Giroud Tree and Lawn explain what to look for on Christmas trees before buying one.
Related link: http://www.giroudtree.com
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