More people are cutting down Christmas trees this year
The winter season brings along holiday decorating, Santa, and Christmas trees.
By: Kaitlyn Aguiles
and last updated 2020-12-20 12:46:09-05
BUTTE â The winter season brings along holiday decorating, Santa, and Christmas trees.
15 million Christmas trees are cut down in the U.S. every year. Compared to last year, Christmas trees permit numbers went up.
According to the United States Forest Service Region one, 29000 Christmas tree permits were sold, up 20000 from last year, but what does that mean for the forestâs natural environment? I know that sounds like a lot and it can be detrimental to the environment but as long as your targeting trees that donât have a good chance of growing up to be a mature tree, youâre probably fine, said Trevor Peterson, Arborist for Butte-Silver Bow Parks and Recreation.
Montana ash trees could be threatened by invasive insect species
Emerald ash borer could arrive in MT via firewood
By: Kaitlyn Aguiles
and last updated 2020-12-15 13:07:38-05
An invasive species known as the Emerald Ash Borer could devastate the ash tree population in Montana.
The Emerald Ash Borer eats away at the tree from the inside, killing it within four years. These insects could make their way into Montana through firewood brought from out of state. The larva will still be in a tree after you cut it down, even when it looks completely dead and ready to burn. So then you transport it to Montana, for example â those larvae become adults and just travel like wild fire. said Arborist Trevor Peterson with Butte-Silver Bow Parks and Recreation.