Christmas in Hawai’i

FAIRFAX, Va. (November 28, 2013) – Because Christmas trees don’t naturally grow in Hawai’i, trees are shipped to the islands every year from the west coast. This presents a unique problem for Departments of Agriculture who help protect the Hawaiian ecosystem from invasive species.

Pests such as slugs that are a part of the natural ecosystem on the West coast could do serious damage if they get established in Hawai’i. Officials take precautions when packing the trees and also by rinsing the trees with hot water upon arrival.