Heather Leff

Have you seen moths flying around during late fall or early winter, or have you seen moths gathered at your porchlight? You could be seeing an invasive species known as winter moth.

Winter moth caterpillars are highly efficient tree defoliators, often stripping the leaves of oaks, maples and other hardwood trees down to lacy skeletons. In mid-to-late fall, at a time of year where insect activity is practically at a standstill, these small brown winter moths will be seen across the eastern half of the state, sometimes congregating at porch lights by the hundreds.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced a state-wide Massachusetts quarantine to help slow the spread of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The quarantine will take effect Monday, November 17, 2014. Find a link to the press release download it directly. The quarantine order means that certain products will be prohibited from moving outside the regulated area, including all hardwood firewood (any piece of wood smaller than 48 inches), all ash nursery stock and any ash lumber that has not been treated. Proper wood treatments include the removal of bark and half an inch of wood, dry kiln sterilization, fumigation and heat treatments.

The Tree Warden of the Year Award recognizes a tree warden who exhibits leadership, dedication, and a commitment to the profession. The association invites nominations from Massachusetts residents as well as from city and town officials. Nominate your favorite tree warden now, using the 2015 nomination brochure.

The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) has reprinted with permission several excerpts from the MTWFA 2013 Centennial book. The excerpts appeared in the Northeast Regional supplement to the August issue of TCI Magazine, as an article titled Guardians of the Trees. Check it out!