Pileated Woodpeckers are no joke!

[egp320i]

The MN DNR won't allow the sale of infected wood. The wood must be destroyed as any larve can infect more trees. It was all hauled off to a disposal site.
The bug is an invasive species, so no predators except the woodpeckers, but when they show up, the trees are already done for. There is an expensive treatment, but has to be caught immediately and results are typically not worth the cost.
I actually like that I no longer have to deal with all the leaves anymore.

still firewood though, why MN dictates what you can do with that wood......well typical

leaves are a non issue, no shade, no canopy, no bird, no wildlife, the leaves just run a mulcher like I do
improves the soil, part of nature, it's organic