56 Nebraskaland • December 2021
MIXED BAG
As the holidays draw near, many families will celebrate by
decorating their homes with fresh greenery, live trees and
woody decorative florals. This is an excellent way to bring
a bit of nature into the home. But sometimes, nature comes
with unwanted guests.
Unfortunately, invasive plant pests can move in or on
holiday greenery that originated from other states. Gypsy
moths may lay egg masses on Christmas tree branches and
trunks. Boxwood blight spores can be carried on the foliage
and stems of boxwood used in garlands and baskets. Invasive
beetles have been found emerging from pine cones used as
decorations. In recent years, elongated hemlock scale has
been found infesting Fraser and balsam fir wreaths and
boughs.
Sometimes, the plant itself is the invasive pest. Oriental
bittersweet is a highly invasive, exotic plant. Bittersweet
berries are frequently used in fall and holiday arrangements
and can inadvertently be a seed source to start a new
infestation.
Everyone can take these simple steps to protect Nebraska
from the introduction and establishment of invasive
plant pests in holiday greenery. Purchase fresh-cut
Christmas trees, greenery and decorative florals that were
grown locally. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture
has a listing of Christmas tree farms on their website at
nda.nebraska.gov/publications/promotion/christmas_trees/
trees.html.
If you purchase a fresh Christmas tree, wreath or greenery
that was not grown in Nebraska, make sure to dispose of
it properly after it has served its purpose. Christmas tree
recycling sites that chip or burn the trees and greenery
are an excellent means of disposal and reduce the risk of
any unwanted pests emerging from the trees. Bittersweet,
decorative florals and any plant material that may contain
seeds are best disposed of in the trash.
The risk of invasive pests emerging while the plant
material is in the house is virtually non-existent. There is
also no need to be concerned that these pests will cause
damage to the home or threaten human health.
Invasive species pose a serious threat to Nebraska, and the
environmental and economic damage these pests can cause
can be devastating. So, enjoy your holiday traditions and
decorations, but do so responsibly. When it comes to fresh-
cut trees, wreaths and greenery, the best buys are local.
HOLIDAY GREENERY
By Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist,
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
