FRASER FIR PEST CONTROL PORTAL
INTRODUCTION: How to Use the Pest Control Portal
Pest Control Perspective
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The Fraser Fir Pest Control Portal describes methods of controlling Fraser fir pests in western North Carolina using integrated pest management (IPM). IPM provides the best pest control for Christmas trees at the lowest cost while having the least negative impact on the environment. To make the best use of this site, review all the materials contained here.
Pest control in Fraser fir Christmas trees is necessary. There are several pests now in western NC that were introduced from other countries and Fraser fir has little natural tolerance for them. There are also several more native pests that can turn a beautiful green tree into one with yellow needles that drop off, making the tree unsaleable. Deciding when to treat and with what gets complicated. That's why this portal was created.
But insecticides alone can't do the job. Without proper cultural practices, pests will continue to be a problem that no insecticide can solve. That's because the growing environment favors pest development. And without scouting, there is no way to know what pests need to be controlled. The choice of an insecticide is just a shot in the dark.
Fraser Fir IPM is Working in NC
The good news is, IPM is working in reducing pesticide use in NC Fraser fir Christmas trees. It was determined from pest management surveys of NC growers that pesticide use was cut in half from 2000 to 2006. And pesticide use continues to be reduced. IPM recommendations are always getting better as we learn better ways of fighting pests and growing trees which reduces pesticide use still further. This portal was created to help producers continue to reduce pesticide use while still producing that perfect Christmas tree.
The pesticides used on Christmas trees are those commonly used on food crops, and even in the home and on pets, so your tree is perfectly safe to display in the home. Christmas tree producers use fewer pesticides than other commodities grown in western North Carolina. Even organic Christmas tree growers use pesticides — those deemed organic according to the National Organic Standards as reviewed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).
Fraser Fir Pest Control Portal Informational Pages:
- The Foundation of Pest Control — Cultural Practices
- Scouting — The Steering Wheel
- Insecticides — Just One Tool in the Pest Control Tool Box
- Control Based on Time in Rotation — since not every pest is a problem at every age.
- Control Based on Treatment Window — what pests you can control at different times of year.
- Control Based on Highest Priority Pest — an aid in controlling multiple pests while controlling the most important ones.
- Important Insecticide Application Considerations — includes information on sprayers, labels, application tips, weather considerations, and protecting pollinators.
- Organic Fraser Fir Pest Control
- Links to Christmas Tree Notes and Photographs of Individual Pests
Fraser Fir Pest Control Portal Disclaimer:
Pest Control Disclaimer
- The information and recommendations on this site are for educational purposes only. The treatment information provided on this site adds to and does not replace the relationship that exists between you and your county extension agent or your own field experience.
- Recommendations have been developed for western North Carolina and will not necessarily apply to other areas of the country.
- Implementation of recommendations generated on this web site does not guarantee successful pest control nor is the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service liable for pest control results or subsequent tree quality.
- Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact an agent of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in your county.
Funding for the development of the Fraser Fir Pest Control Portal was provided
in part by the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association.
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