Tree Pests and How They Can Severely Damage Your Trees
/“Tree health is an important aspect of tree care. There are numerous reasons why a tree may look unhealthy including factors such as drought, disease, invasive species, pests, and improper care. Distinguishing the difference between a pest infestation or tree stress can be challenging when many of the symptoms look similar. However, knowing what species your tree is and whether there are known pests or diseases to that species will help narrow down possible threats.” (Arbor Day Foundation)
Invasive insects and pathogens have wreaked havoc on ash, elm, chestnut trees and others, wiping some of them almost completely from American forests. (Purdue University)
Here are some of the most common pests:
Asian Citrus Psyllid
Asian Longhorned Beetle
Emerald Ash Borer
Japanese Beetle
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid
Whiteflies
“Signs of pests will vary from tree to tree and the type of infestation. One of the first visible signs of pests will show on the leaves. Symptoms of an infestation are also visible on bark, branches and twigs. Here are a few signs that your tree will show if it is infested: (Arbor Day Foundation)
Leaves: check for damage, discoloration, sudden thinning foliage, borer holes, and abnormal leaf sizes.
Branches & trunk: check for branch growth, if growth is less than previous years there may be a disease or pest present. Other symptoms of pests include holes and frass on the trunk, and lifting roots.”
If you think your tree may be affected by one of these pests, attempt to capture the insect, contact a professional arborist and report your findings to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Browning Tree Service is a proud member of Indiana Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, serving the West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana area!
Resources:
https://www.arborday.org/trees/health/pests/
https://arbordayblog.org/treecare/common-tree-pests-and-how-to-spot-them/
https://arbordayblog.org/askanarborist/ask-arborist-check-tree-pests/
