justnorth posted on March 13, 2007 22:33 :: 1325 Views
Spring is almost here in Wisconsin and state forestry officials are urging home and cabin owners who have a small amount of wood left from this winter to burn it up by April 1. This is especially important if you don’t know where the wood is from, or it was transported more than 50 miles to your home.
“Firewood can harbor pests and diseases that emerge when the weather warms in April,” says Andrea Diss-Torrance, Forest Health Specialist at the Department of Natural Resources. “If you have less than a half cord, consider burning it now to avoid introducing pests or diseases to your yard trees.” A half-cord of firewood measures 4 feet high, 4 feet long and 16 inches wide.
A number of invasive pests and diseases are moving on firewood in Great Lakes states. They lie dormant while temperatures are low, but emerge in spring to attack trees.
Emerald ash borer, oak wilt and gypsy moth, among others, have been transported to new areas on firewood by unsuspecting homeowners, Diss-Torrance says. Oak wilt and gypsy moth are present in parts of Wisconsin, while emerald ash borer has not yet been found here but has been found in the Chicago area.
“You can avoid introducing new pests to your property by buying your firewood near where you will use it,” she says.
Homeowners who heat with wood and thus have more of it stored won’t have the option of burning up wood before early spring since the heating season doesn’t end until late May in Wisconsin.
“For people with larger amounts of firewood (more than the amounts mentioned above), it is especially important to obtain your wood locally to avoid bringing in insects or diseases,” Diss-Torrance recommends. “Next time you buy or cut, get wood from within 50 miles and you will be doing a lot to protect your trees from foreign pests and diseases.”
More information on invasive tree pests, diseases, and the role of firewood is available on the Forest Health Protection pages of the DNR Web site.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Diss-Torrance – - (608) 264-9247
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