© 2008 Clackamas
River Basin Council |
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As you may already know, Oregon is the leading producer of Christmas trees in the United States, in 2007 over 7 million trees were sold with annual revenues at $109.3 million! Christmas tree growers face a number of pests including adelgids, aphids, blights, Swiss needle cast, quackgrass, and weedy grasses. To control these unwanted pests often requires the use of pesticides. If chemical treatment is necessary, there are many ways to minimize your pesticide use which will reduce costs while protecting the environment.
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Click here to view a fact sheet for Christmas Tree growers on steps to reduce pesticide use.
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Tips to Reduce Pesticide Use
Although the current levels of pesticides in the Clackamas River basin waterways are far below dangerous human health thresholds, their presence in our waterways is a warning sign. During the United States Geological Survey (USGS) study many pesticides exceeded benchmarks that have been set to protect aquatic-life. The majority of the pesticides detected in our waterways come from multiple sources including golf courses, nurseries, agriculture, right- of ways, forestland, parks, landowners, and other urban applications.Since, there are many sources of pesticides, it is crucial that all pesticide users do their part to keep pesticides out of our waterways. The time to act is now, before it develops into a bigger problem. Using pesticides more effectively makes sense for both economic and environmental reasons. Below highlights numerous ways to reduce the impact of pesticides.
To learn more about any of these methods click on the Learn about... links.
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Pest Prevention-
It is important to plant tree species that are well-suited for your specific site conditions, especially your soil conditions. Undesirable conditions can make trees more susceptible to pest infestations.
For example, if the site is not well drained, avoid noble fir. Another example, is to provide proper air flow (basal pruning helps) to reduce needle cast.
Learn about PNW growers...
Learn about nutrient management...
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Pest Scouting-
Pest scouting is the practice of inspecting trees to identify pests. Frequent scouting allows for early detection and quick response. It is an effective way growers can reduce pesticide use and the cost of pest management, while simultaneously increasing the effectiveness of your efforts.
Learn about plant diseases...
Learn about insect pests...
Learn about weeds...
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Create a Streamside Buffer-
A very effective way to keep pesticides out of our waterways is to plant a vegetated buffer strip along the stream or drainage ditch. The larger the buffer the better! Any amount of buffer will help. Buffers act like a sponge, by absorbing pesticides and other pollutants carried by stormwater runoff. They also help prevent erosion on your property by stabilizing the streambanks.
Learn about creating a buffer...
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Pesticide Selection-
Always read the pesticide label for specific product information and proper disposal and storage methods. Ask your Crop Advisor about new or existing products that may be more effective.
When possible, select a product that has:
- Lower toxicity to human health and aquatic -life
- Lower potential to be carried in stormwater runoff
- Lower potential to leach into groundwater
Learn about reading labels...
Learn about pesticide disposal... Learn about pesticide products...
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Sprayer Calibration-
Improperly calibrated equipment can damage non-target and target plants and increase costs. Always recalibrate if:
- You switch to a different kind of pesticide
- The application equipment has not been used for a long time
- Your equipment is used infrequently or you change parts
Learn about sprayer calibration...
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Minimizing Drift-
Drift is the movement of pesticides through the air to non-target areas. Precautions to minimize drift include:
- Spraying at low-or no-wind conditions (wind speeds 2-9 mph)
- Selecting the appropriate nozzle to produce the largest effective droplet size
- Applying pesticides as close as possible to the target
- Lowering effective operating pressures for your equipment
- Spraying at temperatures less than 70 F
- Asking your dealer about drift reduction nozzles and drift reduction agents
Learn about minimizing drift...
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Other Useful Links
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Other OSU-Extension Publications Links
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Website content and development was made possible through funding from the Clackamas River Water Providers.
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