Horticultural Pest & Disease Board

Our Mission

The mission of the Franklin County Horticultural Pest and Disease Board is to ensure unrestricted trade in national and international markets by effectively responding to written complaints and carrying out activities as described in RCW 15.08 and 15.09.

Do You Own Fruit Trees?

According to RCW 15.09.060 - Each owner of land containing any plant or plants shall perform or cause to be performed such acts as may be necessary to control and to prevent the spread of horticultural pests and diseases, such pests and diseases are defined under RCW 15.08.010, as now or hereafter amended, or as such pests and diseases are defined by the director of the department of agriculture in accordance with the purpose of this chapter and with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The word "owner" as used in this section shall mean the possessor or possessors of any form of legal or equitable title to land and entitlement to possession. For purposes of liability under this chapter, the owners of land shall be jointly and severally liable.

Read RCW 15.09.080 for more information.

Residents & Property Owners of Franklin County

Be proactive to control coddling moth and apple maggot in our county by giving your backyard trees extra attention. Don't infest a commercial grower's livelihood or your neighbors fruit trees.

• Why Growing Backyard Fruit Trees Is Not for Everyone (PDF)

Helpful Resources & Quick Links

• Board Membership and Meeting Information
• Backyard Fruit Tree Spray Schedule, by WSU Tree Fruit
• WSU Master Gardeners Program, for more information about growing backyard fruit trees or identifying pests in your garden.
• Tree Buy-Back Program Frequently Asked Questions (PDF). Tired of messy fruit or ornamental fruit trees? You may be eligible to receive a $100 voucher. Call before you cut! (Check the FAQ to see if your tree is eligible)
• What Is Wrong with My Tree? A compilation of fact sheets for managing common landscape and garden plant problems, by WSU Extension
• Pestsense fact sheets outline IPM strategies including cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods
• Codling Moth-Resistant Flowering Trees (PDF)
• Why Your Cherries May Not Taste Good and Have Color Fade, management of Little Cherry and X-disease for Backyard Producers