asian longhorned beetle

[maplefarmer]

I was told that the asian longhorned beetle is beginning to destroy maple trees, like the emerald ash bore has or is doing to ash trees. He seemed to think he seen this on some news somewhere that Boston has cut down like 18000 trees that were infected. Has anyone heard of this or is it our news media trying to panic everone?

[BryanEx]

The most recent articles I've read implied that ALB is not quite as devastating as first projected but still a serious threat to maple trees. Give me a day and I'll post some links for you.

- Bryan Ex

[foursapssyrup]

it seems to be a pretty serious threat to us. there is actually a quarantined area around worcester that you cannot bring firewood into or out of. As a local, it scares the crap out of me. Most of our woods are maples, and if that bug infests them, it would not be good.

[Flat47]

Take some time and read through the ALB Discussion sticky. There are a bunch of links and info there. For sure, the ALB is destructive and a serious threat.

[OneLegJohn]

Very slow moving beetle. Based on what I've read, if you are in your woods and find the ALB, you would be able to save your trees with early detection. That makes me feel a little better, however, I wonder how long before we bring some other insect from China that won't be as timid. There is probably a good reason Sugar Maples aren't growing in China. Free trade, in my opinion, isn't going to be so free when a devastating insect finds it's way the The States on a barge and destroys the maple industry.

[BryanEx]

it seems to be a pretty serious threat to us.

Of course and I didn't mean to diminish the impact this insect has on forested areas because it is serious. What I was referring to is that resent information released from some forestry organizations has stated that some maples have been able to withstand an ALB attack. The tree has been damaged and most others die but at least a few can possibly make it through. The best possible scenario is still to contain and eliminate the beetle.

[red maples]

Yes that is Real story although not in boston but worcester MA. back in 2008 and I think they cut down alot more trees than 18,000 trees to date. They had a little case by a hospital with 6 trees right by the arbordeum(sp?) so many big beautiful trees in danger and or gone form this beetle. very destructive to say the least. **** free trade with china!!!

[DrTimPerkins]

Very slow moving beetle.

That is true -- unless it hitches a ride by some person moving wood out of a quarantine area. That is the biggest danger.

[Flat47]

That is true -- unless it hitches a ride by some person moving wood out of a quarantine area. That is the biggest danger.

Indeed. Research in Michigan has shown that the spread of the ALB has followed major routes of travel.

[sugarmountain]

I shared my concernes with several people in the us forest service and got little if any response. My consernes were that they seem to have several plans for detection but little in place to battle them once they are detected. The only response i got was after i convinced bernie sanders office to help me out.