Tree Disease Hits Plainfield

This graceful birch tree is a centerpiece of the grounds of First Unitarian Society of Plainfield. But after reading an article by agriculture expert Nicholas Polanin last week, I realized the dying branches on the right in this picture were most likely due to the disease he detailed, Bacterial Leaf Scorch.

The church may likely lose this tree, as there is currently no known treatment for BLS, which is spreading throughout New Jersey and threatens to decimate the urban forest.

These leaves are not turning color for fall, they are suffering from the loss of ability to deliver moisture to the foliage due to a bacterial pathogen named "Xylella fastidiosa."

On a walk around Block 832 where I live, I found maple trees with the same disease.

Here is a young, recently-planted oak on Crescent Avenue that appears to have the disease. The cost of removing damaged trees is probably not on any municipality's radar at this time, but maybe it should be and perhaps there should be early lobbying for state funds to bear these emergency costs.

Can you imagine Library Park without its great oaks? Or any of our neighborhoods without the majestic canopies we love?

To learn more about BLS, click here. This is a very serious threat to a city that was once renowned for its trees. I am a member of the Shade Tree Commission, but because this may affect every neighborhood, all of us need to know more about BLS. If you have seen evidence of this disease on your block, please comment. If you need to contact Public Works, the number is (908) 753-3427.

--Bernice Paglia