Dispose Christmas trees properly to reduce invasive species: MN officials

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Officials are warning Minnesotans to dispose of their Christmas trees properly once the holiday season is over, or risk spreading more than holiday cheer from the invasive pests they can sometimes carry.

Disease, species in trees

What we know: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is warning those partaking in traditional holiday festivities to thoroughly check and dispose of trees brought into Minnesota from other states.

Invasive pests

Big picture view: One invasive species, the elongate hemlock scale, is a small insect established in the eastern U.S. that can cause the needles of hemlocks, firs and spruces to yellow and prematurely drop.

Boxwood blight, a fungal disease and invasive noxious weed, is sometimes found on wreaths and centerpieces, and can endanger native trees and other landscaping.

Protective steps

What they're saying: In an effort to further protect Minnesota’s environment, officials are asking people to take the following precautions when getting rid of their greenery and trees this year.

• Use a curbside tree collection or bring trees to a designated drop-off site.
• Don’t toss trees and greenery into backyard woods or a residential compost pile, which can spread invasive species or disease.
• Some wreaths and other decorative greens can be disposed of in trash cans, but a last resort is to burn the greens.

Next steps

What you can do: If you suspect a tree or other greenery might be infested with an invasive insect or disease, you’re encouraged to contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Report a Pest line at 1-888-545-6684 or reportapest@state.mn.us.