New Threat to Forest Health.

The US Forest Service reports that due to a mild winter and over population of certain species of
trees in the Alleghenies, a timber sale is needed to reduce the risk of infestation of what is now known as the treekisser.  John Plalmer, the US Forest Supervisor is quoted as saying “The treekisser population is growing at an alarming rate.  We do hope the new East Side Project we remove most of the host.  Clearcutting and fencing along with a herbicide treatment (to kill plants above and below ground) may do the trick.  One thing for sure these treekissers do not like grass planted in the forest and roads.  We are very concerned that the treekisser will take over the entire National Forest.  Its something like that dang treehugger infestation”
 
 

The treekisser is very similar to the treehugger.  One specific difference between a treehugger and
a treekisser, to tell them apart, is the treehugger will use his or her arms and parts other than the
head to attack the tree.  The treekisser, leans forward until there is lip contact and begins to kiss.

Environmentalist are quoted as saying “treekissers and huggers as well as treetouchers are not a harm to the entire system.  In certain cases a treehugger could hug a tree to death, however that is more the exception than the rule and would not harm the system.  They have some type of way of creating homes for wildlife in these cases which use symplastless trees.   One thing to understand is that the kissers are not cutting the wood out of the once fertile forest.  Certain studies have shown that through bacteria and such there may be more of a positive connection between the treekisser and the tree than what has been reported by the forest service.  [Phytopathology 54: 250-278; 1964 Bier, J.E. The Relation of some bark factors to canker susceptibility.] One thing for sure, the US FOREST SERVICE, does not need to log to control treekissers.  This is just another excuse to log.  When actually the fragmentation, herbicides, roads and clear cuts disturb habitat for these wonderful creatures".  The kissers have a web site addressing the untold story as to what logging is on Federal Public Land.

  Treekissers are seldom caught on film. 

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