I've been following these two christmas tree threads with interest & can no longer resist the temptation to open my trap
.
I completely agree with the premise that wasps, yellow jackets, SOD pathogens and any other invasive, destructive, non-native life forms need to be kept out of the state.
However, the importation of cut christmas trees seems to me a totally separate issue. As long as they pass agricultural inspection, I fail to see much of an issue.
Personally, I can take or leave having a tree (living or dead) in the house this time of year, but I certainly have no objection to those who put 'em up. I grew up in Oregon and for years worked in the forest products industry. While many practices of this sector have been justifiably criticized as environmentally devastating (clear cuts, wigwam burners, etc.), it's hard to pin this tag on tree farmers.
*** CHRISTMAS TREES ARE A CROP ***. No different than corn, wheat, or pineapples. They are grown solely for holiday decorative purposes. Unlike most other crops though, they require very little in the way of care or attention. Douglas Firs, Western Spruce, and Noble Firs are the most common species used for Xmas trees because they are naturally cone-shaped, lush, retain moisture for weeks after being cut, and tend to keep their needles. They don't require fertilization or pruning. Basically you just stick a seedling in the ground, forget about it for 5 - 7 years, then cut a 6' tree down -- or dig it up if you wish.
One of the posters apparently thinks trees in a landfill is an environmental problem too. ???, er, wood
does biodegrade you know, and particularly quickly in the tropics. In many areas trees are recycled into mulch too; in fact in our town one of the service organizations arranges to have a tree service truck w/chipper parked in the Wal-Mart parking lot; people drop the old the tree off & in about 15 seconds you've got barkdust.
There's been considerable mention of Norfolk and Cook Pines in these discussions also (2 different species, BTW). I've always felt the Norfolk is one of the most beautiful conifers you'll find anywhere and they
do make an attractive Xmas tree . . . the Cooks not so much. It should be pointed out though, that if you're going to bash, ban and abolish all imports, you'd better fire up the chainsaws & backhoes and get rid of these as well. I may be wrong but neither Norfolk Island nor New Caledonia -- where they respectively originate -- is part of the Hawaiian islands.
</rant>
aloha,
Gene
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Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati
what would people do?