Free backyard fruit tree removal program for Douglas County residents

WENATCHEE - The Chelan-Douglas Horticultural Pest and Disease Department kicked off our free Backyard Fruit Tree Removal Program on March 9. The program runs from March through October each year in both Chelan and Douglas Counties. Parties interested in having their fruit tree(s) removed can contact our main office at 509.667.6827 or email me directly at will.carpenter@co.chelan.wa.us.
 The program: Our department staff will perform a site inspection and evaluate the trees to be removed. If the trees are accepted we will then schedule the removal, cut the trees down to ground level and apply herbicide to prevent any regrowth. We will then haul away any unwanted material to be later burned or chipped at our burn site. Acceptance is based on the amount of trees to be removed and the amount of bulk material to be hauled away.
 As always, anyone can contact us to report unmanaged or wild fruit trees in Chelan and Douglas Counties that may be causing horticultural pest and disease problems to local growers.