"Sudden Oak Death is a very serious and sad disease that has killed many large and beautiful native Oak trees on our property. While we have planted many younger Oak trees to replace failed ones, it will take decades of growth before the same grandeur and beauty is achieved that previously existed. We have learned to follow guidelines for prevention and treatment of our many Oak woodlands to minimize our losses."
Lou Bouc,
Facilities Manager,
Skywalker Ranch
Public Concern About Invasive Tree Killing Insects and Diseases Remains Strong
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of trees are being harmed by these invasive insects and diseases?
A: Some of America's favorite trees are under attack from these imported pests, including dogwood, pine, oak, and maple trees. For more information about the trees that are being most affected, please click here.
Q: If 18 of the 25 most damaging forest pests are believed to have arrived on imported plants brought in for sale from nurseries, why doesn't the United States government ban the import of all foreign plants?
A: Plants and trees have been imported from other countries for centuries, and to stop this practice would deprive Americans of plants for their gardens and be counter to free trade agreements that the U.S. has promoted. In the past, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) strictly regulated the number and types of plants imported and also fumigated all imported plants to kill insect pests. However, over recent decades, APHIS shifted to allowing a relatively unrestricted flow of imported plants. Tightening import conditions now is complicated by the requirement under international trade agreements that APHIS complete a time-consuming and lengthy pest risk analysis before prohibiting or restricting entry of a plant that might pose a risk of infestation.
Q: Is the USDA doing anything to try to change the rules that govern these imports to make them more stringent? How can I let the government know I support stronger rules governing plant imports?
A: Yes, in 2009 USDA's APHIS proposed to amend the regulations governing the importation of plants, commonly known as the Q-37 regulation, to create a "limbo" category into which it could place those plant imports suspected of carrying pests. Under this amendment, APHIS could act more quickly and efficiently to prevent new introductions of invasive pests. However, these proposed rule changes are going through a lengthy review process before they are finalized. You can personally contact the USDA to let them know you support new rules to strengthen Q37.
Q: What can be done by APHIS to prevent new infestations while these proposed rules are being reviewed?
A: In an emergency situation, APHIS can take administrative action to prohibit or restrict the entry of a plant into this country or its interstate movement if it poses an immediate danger of introducing or spreading a pest, and APHIS has done so several times since the rules have been proposed.
Q: I don't want to introduce these pests or diseases into my backyard and neighboring forests - what steps can I take to prevent this from happening?
A: There are several actions you can take: ask your local nursery how it keeps its plants free of invasive insects and diseases, learn to identify invasive forest pests, and if you are member of the nursery industry join Plant Smart. Click here to learn more about what you can do help prevent the spread of invasive insects and diseases.
Trees, plants and shrubs imported into the United States can have harmful hitchhikers, such as beetles buried in the wood of a sapling, or tiny mites on the leaves of a flowering plant. Find out more about the pests that kill trees in our parks and neighborhoods, choke farmland, and devastate forests.
"The nursery industry faces huge costs both to control the pests and in loss of sales and other interruptions," says Jerry Lee of the nationwide Monrovia Nursery. We can stand together against the threat these invasive foreign pests pose to nature and the economy. Learn how you can help and join Plant Smart in support of stronger regulations to protect your trees.