Drivers along the Trans-Canada Highway in Chemainus have noticed significant tree removal at the Hazelnut Hills orchard, prompting concern from the community. The orchard, which had been producing hazelnuts for nearly 30 years, was recently cut down due to a severe case of Eastern Filbert Blight.

B次元官网网址淪ay goodbye to our highway hazelnut orchard for now, but donB次元官网网址檛 worry, we are replanting in April!B次元官网网址� Hazelnut Hills announced on their Facebook page in late January. B次元官网网址淲e still have three other healthy and happy orchards that will be producing next yearB次元官网网址檚 crop.B次元官网网址�

Eastern Filbert Blight is a fungal disease that primarily affects hazelnut trees, causing cankers, branch dieback and eventually tree death. The disease, caused by a plant pathogen called Anisogramma anomala, spreads through spores carried by wind and rain, making it difficult to control once established.

B次元官网网址淎fter harvest this past year, we decided that these trees were too sick to keep around,B次元官网网址� the farm said in their post. B次元官网网址淲e are better off trying a new variety of hazelnuts that are not susceptible to blight.B次元官网网址�

While the loss of the orchard is disappointing, the farm remains optimistic about the future. The new trees, set to be planted in April, are expected to produce their first decent harvest in six years, with full maturity reached in about a decade.

Hazelnut Hills thanked the community for its concern and support, reassuring locals that their other orchards remain productive.