South Okanagan residents reminded to look after fruit trees

PENTICTON –  The regional district has beefed up its bylaws protecting the commercial tree fruit industry in the South Okanagan and Similkameen. That means residential fruit growers need to vigilant in the care and maintenance of their fruit trees and shrubs.

The bylaw has recently been updated to include new species and threats to the industry, according to a regional district media release.

All residential owners of fruit bearing trees or shrubs are responsible for controlling insect pests on their properties to prevent the spread of insects to nearby neighbours or professional growers.

The two most common pests are the Spotted Wing Drosophila and the Western Cherry Fruit Fly.

The regional district is asking all property owners to regularly inspect their trees and shrubs in addition to taking precautionary measures to prevent insect infestations as well as familiarize themselves with signs of infestation.

Regional district staff will respond to complaints concerning infected fruit trees.

For more information contact public works projects coordinator Zoe Kirk at 250-490-4110 or go to the regional district website.

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