Agriculturists removing trees or vines this fall should contact the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) by Oct. 7 for a free chipping quote.
The RDOS provides assistance to growers in the south Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys removing agricultural trees.
Burning trees is a common source of air pollutants in B.C. valleys. Smoke from fires contains particles that can harm lungs.
The RDOS has been assisting growers chip agricultural trees for the last decade. Chips can be used onsite to help retain moisture and add nutrients slowly to the soil. Air quality has been significantly improved by having growers chip instead of burning.
To help extend the program, the grower pays only one quarter of the cost of agricultural tree chipping. The RDOS pays the remaining three quarters of the cost. All the money paid by growers goes to allowing more properties access to the chipping program.
Owners who are removing orchards that have codling moth infestation are required to chip or take all wood and/or prunings to the landfill. The reason is that when Codling Moth larvae leave the fruit they spin up cocoons under the bark of the tree. If this wood is sold or moved to another location — codling moth larvae move with it. These larvae will then pupate, emerge as an adult moth, then mate and lay eggs. These eggs will then hatch and infest the closest unsuspecting apple or pear trees.
Introducing Infested wood to a new area will very quickly re-infest clean trees – this then requires growers to get back on their tractors to spray for control. SIR is sure that you wouldn’t want anyone affecting your bottom line – so please consider other growers and homeowner and dispose of wood properly.
SIR encourages all growers to contact us with their questions about codling moth. Or check our website at www.oksir.org for more information.
Agriculturists can request a free quote by contacting the RDOS at 250-490-4203, toll free 1-877-610-3737 or e-mail info@rdos.bc.ca. The chipping contractor will visit the property and discuss the work with the grower. To ensure work is completed this Fall growers should contact the RDOS by Friday, Oct. 7 for a free quote. Agriculturists calling after that date can still access the program but work may be completed in 2017 depending on availability of the chipper.