A new infestation of Asian longhorned beetle was found over the 4th of July weekend in Jamaica Plain- one of the towns in Greater Boston. The six confirmed infested trees were found on the grounds of Faulker Hospital, which is across the street from the Arnold Arboretum.
I titled this post "The infestation next time" because I feel like this infestation neatly displays the reality of invasive tree pests. Even though many Massachusetts residents know what ALB looks like as a result of the infestation in Worcester, and even though this is across the street from a very well regarded Arboretum owned by Harvard University, this infestation has been sitting there for a while, and still could have already begun to spread.
On a positive note, early reports say that this infestation was found by a tree care company. Good to them for being observant and reporting it quickly!
Comments
where to get firewood
I don't have a great answer for where to get firewood in Boston. The reality is that while firewood is expensive to a consumer, new infestations of pests like these can cost in the tens of millions of dollars (of your taxpayer money) to control and eradicate. It is in the interest of the common good to buy wood that has been heat treated or certified as pest free, despite the additional expense. If that isn't possible, then the answer becomes buying wood from as close to your property as possible- preferably within only a few miles.
firewood in Boston
I live right near the infestation, and while I care deeply about our neighborhood trees & the Arboretum, I also know a cord of wood is ridiculously expensive here. Where do you suggest Boston residents get their firewood?
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