PERRY COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) – Folks in Perry County gathered at the Bobby Davis Memorial Park for a conversation about tree health on Wednesday.
“We really wanted to open up a conversation with some of the city workers about some common pests and diseases of trees,” said David Logsdon, an Environment Educator for Pathfinders of Perry Co. “Also, give them some information that they can take back to their work to inform them on how to do the thing they are doing, but do them even more effectively.”
A specific threat to trees in Eastern Kentucky is the hemlock woolly adelgid. The insect can infect the trees and potentially kill them.
“These white parts on here are actually the egg masses. These will hatch in the spring. They bite into the tree and suck the sap out which can eventually cause the tree to die if untreated within four to ten years,” Logsdon said.
There are ways to prevent the bugs from infecting trees, including insecticide treatments that homeowners can use to treat their greenery.
“For us to find ways to keep the trees in our community healthy, we are not just benefiting the aesthetics of the area, but also we are increasing the economic viability of the area.”
By helping to protect the trees, folks are able to give back to the environment that gives to them.
“Trees offer a ton of benefits to communities, both to people who live there in terms of health, well being, health benefits, but also a ton of economic benefits. They tend to make people feel like cities are more attractive or more welcoming.”
For more information about the hemlock woolly adelgid, click here.
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