Tiptonville, Tenn.—An analysis conducted for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture has confirmed that trees in the Reelfoot Lake area have suffered damage from dicamba, a weed-killer that has sparked complaints from Reelfoot officials and local winery.
The analysis determined that an undetermined number of trees along Lake Drive on the south bank of the lake have suffered damage, but the trees are expected to recover, according to a department spokesperson.
The damage was apparently caused by drifting dicamba herbicide over the past several months and state agriculture officials are conducting an investigation to determine the source. Officials said it could have been sprayed on as many as 20 farms in the Reelfoot area.
Manufacturers of dicamba have maintained that it is safe when used according to product instructions. Any farmer determined to have used the chemical improperly faces a fine of up to $1,500.
Mike Hayes, owner of the Blue Bank Resort at Reelfoot, told the Commercial Appeal he began noticing dicamba damage in the spring. He said trees began dropping leaves and needles and vegetables died.
Photo: Dicamba damage to trees. Gardenweb photo.
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