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Common Tree Pests and How to Control Them

Common Tree Pests and How to Control Them

Trees are essential to our environment and add beauty and value to our properties. However, they are not…

May 16,2024

Trees are essential to our environment and add beauty and value to our properties. However, they are not immune to infestations, making them targets for various pests. If you suspect critters are threatening the health and longevity of your yard, call a professional tree care company quickly. At Sesmas Tree Service, we understand pests and how to control them, keeping your trees healthy and vibrant. Here are some of the most common pests and effective methods to manage them.

Common Tree Pests and How to Control Them

Aphids

Top of our list, we have aphids, tiny insects that suck sap and are commonly found on different tree species. These pests prefer tender new growth and can cause leaves to curl, wilt, or yellow. They also produce a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can cause sooty mold on the leaves and branches. If the infestation is in the initial phase, you can spray the affected areas with a strong jet of water to dislodge the pests. However, severe infestation may prompt more drastic measures like fumigation or tree removal

Emerald Ash Borer

The emerald ash borer is a destructive beetle that targets ash trees. This pest bores into the bark and feeds on the tree’s tissues, disrupting the flow of nutrients and water. This can cause thinning canopies, branch dieback, and eventually, death and tree removal. Preventative treatments with insecticides are the most effective way to control the emerald ash borer. Tree service professionals should handle these treatments to ensure safety and optimum health. 

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Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles are greedy pests that can attack trees, including birch, linden, and crabapple. These metallic blue-green and copper beetles chew through leaf tissue, leaving behind a skeleton-like appearance. To control these pests, hand-picking or strategic tree trimming when they are less active deters feeding. For larger populations, consult a tree care company for chemical controls or pheromone traps if necessary. These chemicals should be used cautiously as they attract more beetles, prompting more drastic measures.

Gypsy Moths

Gypsy moths are invasive pests that destroy large sections of trees, especially oaks and aspens. The caterpillars chew through leaf tissue, weakening the tree and leaving it vulnerable to other stresses. You can mitigate these devastating effects by removing and destroying egg masses found on tree trunks and branches in the winter. Our certified arborists also recommend scheduling routine targeted tree pruning to remove damaged libs and prevent further damage. 

Pine Bark Beetles

Pine bark beetles are tiny insects that bore through the bark of pine trees and other conifers, causing extensive damage. If you notice pitch tubes, sawdust at the base, or yellowing of needles, contact a trusted arborists quickly. The most effective way to control these beetles is tree trimming to remove infested parts and prevent spread to other healthy trees. While insecticide treatments are effective alternatives, hire trained tree service experts to ensure proper application and safety. 

Now that you know common pests and effective control measures, early intervention is crucial to protecting your trees and ensuring they continue to thrive for years. Contact us at Sesmas Tree Service to maintain healthy trees that are less susceptible to pest infestations. We leverage extensive expertise and knowledge to ensure regular maintenance including tree pruning, at competitive rates.

Customer Reviews

3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

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