Introduction

There are many different quarantine pests associated with fruit production in the Walla Walla Valley, including codling moth, apple maggot and cherry fruit fly as well as a whole host of diseases including fireblight. There are also numerous other noxious pests including apple scab, powdery mildew and bacterial canker to name but a few. The problems associated with pests and diseases extend to the wine grape industry too and the biggest concern in the Walla Walla Valley must be avoiding Phylloxera and Pierce's Disease. Many apple and cherry orchards and vineyards are situated within two miles of the City of Milton-Freewater which means that the pests can easily spread from untended home garden trees and vines. Conclusive evidence obtained over the last 7 years from areawide trap counts (CAMP Program) have shown that the orchards bordering on the City have a major problem where insect pests are concerned. The pressure has been traced to unsprayed home garden trees within the city limits as well as some untended orchards in the county. In 2004, exports to Taiwan were halted as a result of the third strike coming out of Milton-Freewater. The Northwest Horticulture Council estimated the loss of revenue to the PNW at $26 million. It is important to note that this did not take into account the loss of revenue in the form of Forex, to the entire US apple industry. Consequently, it is imperative that all fruit trees within the County be sprayed and cared for. Indeed it is both County and State law and pome fruit must be sprayed every 10 to 14 days from fruit set to harvest. Stone fruit must be sprayed every 7 days from fruit set to harvest.

The Don't Bug Us Campaign was launched in 2006, with the support of the Umatilla County Commissioners and the City of Milton Freewater Management to ensure that the fruit and wine grape industries are protected from the devastating effects of pests and diseases associated with untended and abandoned fruit trees in and around the City and County.

Regulations

Umatilla

• Chapter 100 Control of Insect Pests and Diseases in Fruit Trees and Vines (PDF)

Oregon Administrative Rules

• Plant Pests
• Quarantine Apple Maggot
• Cherry Fruit Fly
• Umatilla County Control Area
• Chapter 570 – Plant Pest and Disease Control; Invasive Species

Backyard Fruit Trees

• Managing diseases and insects in home orchards
• FAQ:  Backyard Fruit Trees and Spray Recommendations for Umatilla County
• Protecting Backyard Apple Trees from Apple Maggot (Washington State Univ.)

Trees Recommended for Planting

• Trees for Milton-Freewater

Trees Not Recommended for Planting

• Host Plants for Pome and Stone Fruit in Eastern Oregon

Tree Removal Experts

• MILTON-FREEWATER

  • Trees on the Move
    Removal, tree service, tree spraying, tree stump removal, tree supply, tree transplanting
    Phone: (541) 938-9656 - Milton-Freewater, OR
    Certified Tree Removal
    Washington Contractor License #TOWNCTS173J8
    0regon CCB License #64974
  • R & C Tree Service (PDF)
    Tree removal, dead wood removal, dangerous branch removal, trimming, general yard and shrub pruning. Phone: (541) 561-5048 or (800) 334-1518. www.rctreeservice.com
    Licensed, Bonded and Insured in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. 

• PENDLETON

  • Kelsy Garton Tree Service
    Removal, tree service, tree spraying, tree stump removal, tree supply, tree transplanting
    Phone: (541) 276-4090 - Pendleton, OR
    Oregon CCB License #147577
  • Town & Country Tree Service
    Removal, tree service, tree spraying, tree stump removal , tree supply, tree transplanting
    Phone: (541) 276-3311 - Pendleton, OR
    Certified Tree Removal
    Washington Contractor License #TOWNCTS173J8
    0regon CCB License #64974

To view a PDF, download the Adobe Reader.