We're officially deep into fireplace season in Minnesota, which means it's a great time to examine the laws involved with procuring firewood for your Rochester, MN, home. Not all homeowners know that there are significant restrictions on the movement of firewood in Minnesota and many parts of the United States due to the prevalence and dangers of pests and diseases. The tree care specialists at Maier Tree and Lawn implore you to check your trees for signs of infestation, especially for non-native pests such as emerald ash borer, before you chop any of your trees this chilly winter season.
Gathering firewood seems, on the surface, to be a very straightforward process. Choose tree, chop tree, take wood, done! However, taking that wood anymore than the few steps from your yard to your home could get you into legal trouble faster than you can strike a match. The danger of wood transport lies with the little bugs that could be tagging along for a ride. Even a single batch of contaminated wood can be a catalyst that kicks off a widespread infestation, so keeping any unhealthy areas quarantined is vital to the statewide recovery process.
During your regular tree care regimen, be sure to watch out for any signs of emerald ash borer, especially if you have neighbors or relatives that may have interest in firewood. Unusual thinning, grooves, leaf death, or other visual irregularities should be checked by a tree care professional before the wood of said tree is transported away from your area, even if it's just going a town over. Even if the culprit isn't the emerald ash borer, you should still evaluate odd spots before sharing any of your personal stash.
If you've detected signs of emerald ash borer, or are concerned about the general condition of your Rochester, MN, trees, contact the tree care experts at Maier Tree and Lawn at (507) 454-7000, or by visiting our website here for more information. And remember, if you plan on visiting a cabin or relatives this year, be sure to purchase your firewood on location and through a DNR approved source!
