The Best Protection for Trees? You. August is Tree Check Month.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A devastating invasive pest with no known natural predators threatens recreational areas, forests, and suburban and urban shade trees. Once a tree is infested, it must be removed, which is why the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated August as Tree Check Month to encourage the public to look for signs of a devastating invasive pest, the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). The USDA is asking for help spreading the word about how the public can help save trees with a PSA TV spot, radio scripts, and print advertisements.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7277051-usda-august-tree-check-month-asian-longhorned-beetle-invasive-pest-psa

Over 130,000 trees have already been lost due to the ALB. So far those losses have been contained to Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Illinois and New Jersey. But spreading the pest could happen as harmlessly as unknowingly moving infested firewood. And what's worse is that up to 70 percent of our nation's tree canopy is at risk because of the ALB.

But the good news is this pest can be stopped. Our best line of defense is to have as many eyes as possible checking our trees for signs of trouble.

Early detection is crucial; once the beetle infests a tree it can't be saved and any other host tree nearby is at risk. But the ask to protect these trees is simple: Take 10 minutes this summer to check your trees for the ALB and any signs of the damage it causes.

1. Look up
   Stand back and look at the top of the tree. Do you see any dead or dying branches?
2. Look it over
   Now get in close and focus on the tree trunk and branches. See the beetle? See any dime-sized exit holes or shallow scars in the bark?
3. Look down
   Do you see any sawdust-like shavings at the tree's base or on the branches? That's a sign the ALB has been busy eating.

The PSAs are being distributed to media outlets nationwide today. Help spread the word about Tree Check Month this August. The TV, print, and radio PSAs are relevant anytime this summer through September.

For more information visit www.AsianLonghornedBeetle.com. To request PSA materials visit http://asianlonghornedbeetle.com/psa-materials-request/.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7277051-usda-august-tree-check-month-asian-longhorned-beetle-invasive-pest-psa

SOURCE USDA APHIS