If you’ve got sassafras or spicebush growing in your yard, there’s a new threat to keep an eye on.
For the first time ever, New York state officials have confirmed the arrival of a tree-killing fungal disease called laurel wilt. It popped up this summer on Long Island, after a homeowner in Northport noticed their sassafras tree quickly dying and sent in a sample to Cornell University’s Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic for testing.
“This detection of laurel wilt on Long Island marks a troubling new chapter in the spread of this invasive plant disease” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton told Syracuse.com. “DEC is collaborating with our conservation partners to understand the extent of impacted trees, evaluate control options, and launch public outreach to increase awareness.”
What Is Laurel Wilt and How It Spreads
Laurel wilt is spread by the invasive redbay ambrosia beetle, a tiny insect that bores into tree stems and branches. As it tunnels in, it introduces the fungus and leaves spores behind. The disease originated in Asia and was first identified in the United States in Georgia back in 2002. Since then, it’s marched across the Southeast, with New York now becoming the northernmost state to report cases…