February 17, 2025
Does the following scenario sound familiar? You’re strolling through your yard, enjoying the shade of your favorite tree, when, all of a sudden, you spot something alarming — yellowing leaves, oozing sap, or even dead branches. You instantly start to worry that this issue means your tree is dying.
Before your thoughts completely spiral out of control, know that your tree often sends distress signals long before all hope is lost. For this reason, you must monitor your trees for insect activity and disease. By taking the time to assess each plant’s health, you save your entire tree from costly damage.
Are you feeling overwhelmed about where to start? Don’t worry — Caldwell Tree Care is here to break down how to monitor trees for signs of insects and diseases, as well as when you should call for expert assistance. Plus, we’re also the ones to count on for treatment and prevention. No matter if you need aphid treatment, scale insect control, mite control, or help with any other issues, we have the tree care solutions to eliminate threats of all kinds and preserve your greenery.
The Root of the Matter
- Key insects to watch for include scale insects, aphids, wood-boring beetles (emerald ash borer, bronze birch borer), Japanese beetles, spotted lanternflies, and spongy moths.
- Trees are also vulnerable to fungal infections (such as root rot), bacterial infections, and viral diseases, which can weaken growth and stability.
- Conduct monthly tree inspections and look for signs like leaf discoloration, sticky residue, small bark holes, fungal growth, or peeling bark.
Common Tree Pests and Diseases to Watch For
Caring for trees means knowing what threats they might face. Certain insects and diseases are prevalent in specific regions, so understanding your tree species is crucial. Below, we’ll explore the culprits most likely to cause tree health issues.
Common Tree Insects
Let’s explore some notorious tree-damaging insects you might encounter in your landscape. Among the most concerning are scale insects, silent invaders that particularly love fruit trees and ornamental species. You will also want to watch out for tiny but troublesome aphids, which cluster in colonies along tender branches and new growth.
Equally troubling are wood-boring insects, like the infamous emerald ash borer and bronze birch borer, which pose serious threats to our local tree species. These metallic-colored beetles operate with surgical precision, targeting specific tree varieties. While the emerald ash borer exclusively attacks ash trees, its cousin, the bronze birch borer, seeks out birch species.
Japanese beetles also lead the pack of recognizable common tree pests, drawing attention with their distinctive metallic green bodies as they arrive in summer swarms. Alongside them, the striking spotted lanternfly has emerged as a formidable invasive pest, threatening numerous tree species but showing particular aggression toward fruit trees and hardwoods. Completing this rogues’ gallery, spongy moths have earned their reputation as significant tree pests, methodically working through large areas of forest and landscape trees, with a particular appetite for oak trees.
Typical Tree Diseases
Trees, like any living organism, are susceptible to a range of diseases that can compromise their health over time. Fungal infections are among the most common culprits, thriving in damp conditions and affecting everything from the tree bark to its internal tissues. Root rot is of particular concern. It is caused by soil-borne fungi and targets the tree’s foundation, weakening its roots and stability. Another frequent issue is canker diseases, which develop when fungi invade wounds on the tree’s surface, potentially spreading throughout the entire tree over time.
In addition to fungal diseases, trees can also suffer from bacterial and viral infections. Bacterial diseases, such as fire blight, often strike ornamental and fruit-bearing tree species, spreading quickly in wet weather and weakening the tree’s ability to grow. Though less common, viral infections can alter tree growth patterns and spread through insect activity or contaminated tools. Knowing which diseases are most likely to affect your trees is essential for taking timely action and preserving their long-term health.
How to Monitor Your Trees Effectively
Proactive monitoring keeps tree health issues at bay and gives you time to act.
Regular Inspections
Walk your property monthly to check each tree trunk, bark, and canopy. Inspections following storms are also critical, as wind and rain can worsen existing weaknesses.
Look for visible signs of trouble, such as chewed or discolored tree leaves, which often point to sap-sucking pests like aphids. Be sure to also keep an eye out for a sticky residue on branches that may indicate scale insects.
Other changes and issues to look out for include:
- Small holes in the tree bark, suggesting wood-boring insects, which weaken the tree from the inside.
- Fungal growth around the base of the tree, often signaling root rot or internal decay.
- Changes in the tree trunk, such as cracking or peeling bark.
- The sudden appearance of dead branches.
These symptoms may indicate fungal infections, pest damage, or deeper structural issues.
Keep a Record
Document findings during each inspection. Record changes in tree bark texture, discoloration of tree leaves, or new fungal growth. Over time, patterns may emerge, making it easier to detect the onset of problems.
What Professional Insect and Disease Treatment Includes
Our top-of-the-line insect and disease services at Caldwell Tree Care go beyond surface-level fixes. We focus on resolving both the immediate matter at hand as well as the prevention of any future ailments. Some of the ways we do this include:
- Fungicides/Insecticides: Chemical interventions to combat infections and pest infestations.
- Structural Pruning: Removing dead branches to reduce stress and promote healthy growth.
- Soil Testing: Ensuring optimal root health through balanced nutrients and proper drainage.
- Tree Surveys: Regular inspections to help catch trouble before it spirals into a much larger problem.
- Tree Removal: If a tree has been overrun by disease or infestation and will not respond to treatment, removal may be necessary to protect your surrounding greenery.
Suspect Tree Disease or Insect Infestation in Your Yard? Call Caldwell Tree Care
To preserve the lives of your healthy trees, it’s important to be vigilant about any indications of insect infestation or disease. By following the easy steps we’ve outlined, you can be better at spotting issues and calling for help early on. This, in turn, can help save your trees and plants from further damage. Contact us today if you suspect your trees might be in jeopardy, and let our integrated pest management and disease control team step in with effective, long-lasting solutions.