Something Bugging Your Trees? Four Common Tree Pests To Lookout For This Spring and Summer

Many Atlantans consider spring and summer to be the best time of the year. Unfortunately, tree pests and bugs agree. These tiny critters can lead to big problems and can literally suck the life out of your trees if not addressed. 

Here are the four major suspects to look out for in your yard: 

Aphids

Also known as plant lice, these bugs are found together in groups and eat leaves and stems. There are several different species of Aphids and they can be usually spotted on tree trunks or underneath leaves.

While a moderate amount of them do not damage trees; a large group can cause yellowing leaves and stunt growth. Some Aphids inject a toxin into plants when they feed.

Spider Mites

Often found on the backs of leaves, these bugs are so small that they can barely be seen by the naked eye. They can be found in groups, clustered in a spider web.

You can tell if a tree has fallen victim to these pests if you can see stippling on the upper sides of leaves on deciduous trees and the needles browning on evergreen trees.

Cicadas

You don’t even need to spot one to know they’re there. With an iconic, drum-like song that rings all summer long, these bugs can usually be found on the tree trunks.

Their beak is used to suck fluids from trees, causing the leftover bark to cling in place and split right down the middle.

Caterpillars

Before they blossom into butterflies or moths, these slinky creatures can defoliate an entire tree with their little army. They create large communal nests in deciduous trees.

Warning signs include leaves with ragged edges or defoliated branches, followed by the entire tree being defoliated.

There are hundreds of types of tree pests that could make a home in your trees. Thankfully, identifying their symptoms can help you figure out the culprit and stop them before real damage is done.

A chemical-based solution is not always necessary. A certified arborist can help determine what’s best for this situation.

Premier Tree Solutions specializes in tree care in Atlanta, Georgia, and in the removal of dead,
dying, or infested tree limbs and specimens and plant health care. If you’d like help caring for your property, please
don’t hesitate to give us a call at 404-252-6448.

Get Ready for Spring and Peak Home Selling Season with These Tree Care Tips

Spring has arrived and, with it, the time of year when home sales are at their highest — even in an already fast-paced market. If you’re looking to sell your home or want to keep your current home in selling shape for the future, you’ll want to make sure your greenery is looking its best. According to a study led by the Arbor Day Foundation, “Homes with trees in their yard have higher property values in the United States than those without any tree cover” — totalling up to an additional $31.5 billion in value nationwide.

For assistance caring for your trees this spring season, we’re here to offer some tips that should help make this task easier.

Prepare for Pests and Protect the Planet

Summer will see the reemergence of many new pests, so you’ll want to prepare during springtime so that you aren’t caught unaware. While pesticides are effective, you may prefer to use a substance that can help ward off insects without harming another part of the environment.

An alternative is to combat insects with more natural substances, including soaps, essential oils, and even other garden plants to ward off pests without harmful components. You can also attempt to lure other species that devour invasive critters by installing birdhouses or encouraging the presence of insect-eating insects.

Mulch is a Must!

Mulching is a great practice to protect your trees’ roots from the effects of intense heat or cold. While beneficial to your trees all year round, there are a few key times when refreshing your mulch is advised.

During the spring months, you’re typically coming out of the coldest time of the year, but are in the period before trees need to be protected from more intense heat. Spring is also notable for its rainfall, so you’ll want to refresh your mulch when it has some time to settle before heavy rain washes it away. Now is when you must spring into action!

Stay Sharp, and Check for Pruning Possibilities

The best time for pruning will be either in late winter or early spring, with early spring being the better of the two. The goal of pruning is to improve the health of your trees as well as their visual appeal. Tree trimming addresses several different concerns, including the height or weight of the tree, removing signs of decay, or thinning the tree to promote healthier growth.

The pruning you can do yourself would include things like removing smaller dead and decaying branches (this is great to prevent them from falling and damaging things during a storm). You can also reasonably trim small branches with shears and do some minimal shaping if you are comfortable. For anything else, you’ll want to contact a professional provider to ensure you don’t accidentally damage your tree.

Need a Professional Hand to Help?

These tips should help you manage basic tree care on your own. However, if you want to make sure that your trees receive the best care, you should find a professional partner to assess their health and provide the necessary solutions.

Contact us at Premier Tree Solutions, where we provide pruning, cleanup, clearing, and other services that can keep your trees looking their best. Check out the rest of our website to take a look at our services and give us a call at 404-252-6448 to set up an appointment, or 404-569-8897 for any emergencies.