The N.C. Forest Service confirmed that laurel wilt, a devastating disease of redbay and other plants in the laurel family, has been identified in the right of way along U.S. Highway 74 in Scotland County.
Sassafras, redbay, swampbay, pondberry, pondspice and spicebush are in the laurel family and can be affected by this disease.
Redbay trees that are infected with laurel wilt cling to their leaves even after the tree has died allowing for easier detection during the winter months.
We generally survey throughout the winter because laurel wilt is easy to see when most other trees have shed their leaves,” said Jim Moeller, forest health forester. “Even though we weren’t dedicating our day to surveying for laurel wilt, anytime we are traveling to various locations throughout the state, we are always staying alert for possible movement of insects and diseases that we track.
Trees are infected with the fungus that causes laurel wilt disease by the invasive redbay ambrosia beetle, according to the N.C. Forest Service.
Native to southeastern Asia, the beetle was first detected in the U.S. in 2004 near Savannah, Ga. It has since spread to 11 states, from Texas to Virginia.
The pest is believed to travel about 20 miles per year naturally but spreads more quickly when transported in firewood.
Redbay ambrosia beetles do not feed on the trees themselves but rather on the laurel wilt fungus.
Female beetles bore into trees, carrying the fungus with them. Once inside the tree, she makes tunnels and lays eggs.
Fungal spores begin to grow in these tunnels, blocking the movement of water and causing the tree to wilt and eventually die.
Trees typically die within weeks or months of infection. Symptoms of laurel wilt disease include drooping reddish-purple foliage.
Evidence of a redbay ambrosia beetle attack may be found in the main stem; often threads of chewed wood, called frass toothpicks, can be seen sticking out of entry holes.
Removal of tree bark reveals black streaking in the outer wood. Currently, there is not a reliable method of treating laurel wilt and insecticides have been ineffective at stopping beetle attacks.
Fungicides may be used to prevent infection by the fungus but they are costly and require reapplication. The best defense continues to be slowing the spread by using local or treated firewood and by notifying the local NCFS county ranger if laurel wilt is suspected.
Homeowners with dead redbay trees are encouraged to keep cut trees on their property.
Dead trees should not be removed to a landfill or off-site. Proper disposal of redbay trees includes leaving wood on-site, cutting or chipping wood on-site, or burning wood on-site in compliance with local and state ordinances.
You can obtain a burn permit at any authorized permitting agent or online at this link. The detection of laurel wilt in Scotland County was confirmed by pathologists at N.C. State University’s Plant Disease and Insect Clinic.
To learn more about laurel wilt, click here and follow the links under the Forest Health section, or call your NCFS county ranger.