Monitoring boxwood restrictions
Canadian Food Inspection Agency considering changes to ornamental plant regulations
Possible change is in the air for landscaping services and garden centres as spring weather arrives in P.E.I.
Following the confirmation of box tree moths in Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has begun to consider adjusting boxwood restrictions in P.E.I.
A common ornamental shrub seen in gardens around the world, boxwood is known for its landscaping versatility and is often seen shaped into ball shrubs and square hedges.
Public consultations were held between Jan. 11 and Feb. 10, with consideration that reducing boxwood restrictions brings with it the possibility of box tree moths.
A statement from the CFIA to Saltwire on March 8 confirmed the changes were still being debated.
Until the decision is made, restrictions will continue in P.E.I., with purchases of boxwood being closely regulated and restricted.
“Regulated areas are put in place to slow the humanassisted spread of box tree moth. Consequently, it may be difficult for retailers in a province that is not regulated for box tree moth to secure boxwood from a regulated area in the future,” the statement said.
In P.E.I., there have been some closely monitored and contained sightings of box tree moth.
However, compared to neighbouring provinces, there is no established population of the invasive species.
Jim Landry, executive director of Landscape N.B. P.E.I., told Saltwire on March 20 that if Islanders are prepared to care for their boxwood plants the change will not have a major impact on the Island.
“It’s going to be here, it’s going to be here in fairly large numbers, but those can be isolated numbers if people do their due diligence and monitor the plants in their yard,” Landry said.
SPECIFIC TASTES
Chase Guindon, co-ordinator of the P.E.I. Invasive Species Council, told Saltwire on March 7 the boxwood moth does not threaten the ecosystem in P.E.I.
“Boxwood moth is an invasive species that is on our radar, but it is quite different from the species we are typically concerned with, as the host plant that it impacts is not a native species itself,” Guindon said.
Guindon explained the impact of the moths would be economical rather than environmental, due to the moth’s very specific feeding preferences.
“The boxwood moth caterpillars only feed and reproduce on species in the boxwood genus, of which there are no native species in Canada,” Guindon said.
Landry echoed this, explaining that P.E.I. residents need to monitor their boxwood plants for pests as they would any other garden plant.
“Finding the first moth is a huge advantage for you and your hundred-foot hedge,” Landry said.
Insecticides for box tree moth do exist that do not harm other plants and native insects and when applied expertly are highly effective for managing the population.
Landry explained the plant is expensive, especially considering current restrictions and regulations.
As with every expensive plant, Island gardeners should be educated about their needs and monitor them accordingly.
“That’s the beauty of being a gardener, you really appreciate them if you walk around your yard with a pair of pruners, inspect them, that’s what they’re there for, not just to look at from a distance,” Landry said.
The CFIA is still reviewing and processing all comments gathered during the public consultation sessions ahead of selecting a date for announcement if their decision.
“If P.E.I. is not included in the regulated area, it may be more difficult to source boxwood plants from regulated provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick or Nova Scotia,” the CFIA’S statement said.
The statement explained the CFIA intends to make the decision ahead of spring plant shipping and anticipates publishing a decision document in the coming weeks.