J Crew Christmas trees rejected by commission
Reza Marashi was the Grinch that stole J Crew’s Christmas trees.
The Los Angeles County Agricultural Inspector confiscated the clothing store’s trees on Tuesday from the Third Street Promenade, fearful that they were infested with bugs.
It turned out they weren’t. But agricultural commissioners were unapologetic, saying the trees hadn’t passed through inspection once they hit the California border. And the tree vendor in Michigan never bothered getting the shipment certified.
Los Angeles agricultural commissioners say they got a tip from headquarters in Sacramento that the trees never passed through inspection — something that has to be done for every fruit, vegetable and plant that crosses the state line.
About a half dozen trees were removed in Los Angeles J Crew stores, said LA County deputy agricultural commissioner John Schrader. Agricultural officials say such trees could have brought in certain pests like the Japanese Beetle or the Gypsy Moth, which could set off an infestation in California native plants.
“This sounds like the shipper in Michigan didn’t know better,” Schrader said. “Our goal is to protect consumers and our economy because it’s these types of pests that could end up in the basin where all of our crops are grown. We try to prevent pests and diseases from entering the state.”
Each vehicle that crosses the state line is stopped to inspect plants and fruit. Aircraft cargo at state airports are inspected as well. Somehow, J Crew’s trees slipped through the checkpoints undetected.
Residents shouldn’t be concerned that their Christmas trees or wreaths are infested, officials say.
“Don’t worry about bugs coming out of your trees,” Schrader said.
J Crew officials in New York said the company used a new tree vendor this year for its Christmas trees. Now they plan additional steps to make sure their California trees are bug free.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 1, 2001. Read the original PDF.