National Tree Check Month: 5 Things To Watch Out For In Washington

WASHINGTON — State agricultural officials are asking Washingtonians to take a closer look at the trees they see this month to help protect the Evergreen State's natural features from diseases and invasive species. According to the state Department of Natural Resources, August is "National Tree Check Month," which asks neighbors to seek out signs of harmful insects or unhealthy trees, both around their property and in public spaces.

Officials said August is one of the best months to get an up-close look since it's often the time of year when damage from pests or disease is most visible. This month's effort arrives amid a new study on threats to Washington trees, along with recent concerning findings, including sooty bark disease affecting trees at a Tacoma park and the discovery of an Atlas moth in Bellevue.

In June, the Pacific Northwest confirmed the first sighting of an emerald ash borer outside Portland, Ore., a beetle that is fatal to ash trees.

“We have a forest health crisis in Washington, and we know that outbreaks of invasive insects and diseases are one of the leading threats to the long-term health of our forests,” said Hilary Franz, the state's Commissioner of Public Lands. “Our all lands, all hands approach to forest health means we need everyone pitching in to help protect our forested lands from invasive pests.”

DNR officials said helping out just takes a few minutes out of the day, whether it's walking around the backyard or visiting a local park, to help state experts track any concerning developments. Residents who suspect they have spotted an invasive species or tree disease can submit a report and photos to the Washington Invasive Species Council at home or on the go. Each report gets reviewed by a scientist.

“If you already exercise outdoors, walk your dog, or take your kids out to play, try adding a quick check of nearby trees for potential pests,” said Ben Thompson, DNR's program manager for urban and community forestry. “With kids, you can even turn it into a game. Challenge them to see how many different insects they can find. Kids are great observers; insects also fascinate many children. The reporting app makes it easy to help them file a report.”

Here are the top five things to watch out for in Washington, according to DNR:

• Asian Longhorned Beetle
  • This wood-boring beetle attacks many hardwood trees, including maples, birches, and willows. The insect feeds inside trees during its larval stage, and then chews its way out as an adult. There has not been a confirmed sighting in Washington.

• Asian Spongy Moth
  • Formerly known as the Asian gypsy moth, these insects lay dark brown egg masses on everything from tree trunks to lawn furniture. Many tree species play host to this insect, which can completely defoliate trees during its larvae stage. The Washington State Department of Agriculture conducts annual surveys for the spongy moth.

• Emerald Ash Borer
  • This small, green, wood-boring beetle is one of the most destructive forest pests in the United States. It attacks and kills true ash trees with alarming efficiency. Adults emerge from infected trees by creating distinctive D-shaped exit holes. Oregon confirmed the first sighting of this prolific pest in the Pacific Northwest earlier this summer.

• Sooty Bark Disease
  • A fungus named for the distinctive sooty fungal structures that grow where bark has flaked off infected trees, this disease also causes branch dieback and leaf wilting. Confirmed outbreaks have recently occurred from Bellingham to Olympia. Additional research on the spread of sooty bark disease in Washington is ongoing. Host trees include bigleaf maple, red maple, sycamore maple, and horse chestnut.

• Spotted Lanternfly
  • When not flying, this insect sports black spots on pinkish wings. It feeds on sap from many tree species, including those that grow fruits such as apples, cherries, grapes and plums. It also feeds on hops. While not confirmed to be in Washington, it was intercepted in California on commercial goods from the eastern United States. Dead specimens have been found in Oregon.