It’s That Time of Year Again: Invasive Tree Pests to Look Out for this Summer

July 6, 2020

It’s officially summer, which means it’s time to participate in some of our favorite outdoor activities. However, there exists another “return” that doesn’t get any homeowner as excited — invasive tree pests. Fortunately, the tree care experts at All The Above Tree Service offer tree treatment services that work to restore the health and appearance of your trees and property. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common species in the greater Philadelphia area to look out for:

The Emerald Ash Borer

This half-inch long metallic green beetle can be found in nearly every county of the commonwealth. First identified in western Pennsylvania in 2007, the larval stage of this beetle is harmful — it feeds exclusively on ash trees under the bark and kills them three to five years after an infestation. Here are a few signs and symptoms of an emerald ash borer infestation:

• Upper crown dieback
• Bark splits or flaking
• Epicormic branching
• D-shaped adult beetle exit holes in the bark
• S-shaped larval feeding galleries lying just below the bark

All native North American ash species, ash cultivars, and the white fringe tree are susceptible to the emerald ash borer.

The Spotted Lanternfly

Making headlines for a few years now, this invasive species is a significant problem for all agriculture types as it causes damage to fruit trees, herbs, vegetables, as well as ornamental and woody trees. The pest is found in more than 13 counties in the Keystone State.

While spotted lanternflies don’t bite or sting humans, pets, or livestock, they use piercing mouth appendages to suck the sap from tree trunks, branches, leaves, and twigs. This allows harmful fungi to grow, eventually covering the leaves’ surfaces and stunting growth.

Egg masses containing 30-50 eggs adhere to flat surfaces. Freshly laid egg masses have a grey, waxy, mud-like coating. Hatched eggs look like brown, seed-like deposits in four to seven columns about an inch long. Trees attacked by the spotted lanternfly will feature a near-black trail of sap down the trunk.

Other Leaf-Eating Critters

Caterpillars, sawflies, beetles, leafminers, worms, and other insect larvae attack several species of trees. The damage caused by leaf-eating insect ranges. In extreme cases, defoliation may occur. Hand-picking certain pests — like caterpillars and larvae — may help control the insects but isn’t always feasible, especially if the tree inquisition is considerably tall.

If you suspect you have an infestation of any invasive species on your trees, landscape, or surrounding property, rely on certified pesticide applicators. For more information or to make an appointment for professional tree infestation control, contact All The Above Tree Services today!