Why Winter Is the Best Time to Inspect Your Trees for Pests

During winter, bare branches give homeowners a break from many of the tree and shrub care activities that can keep you busy in other seasons. And while you can mostly kick back while the weather is cool, there are a couple of exceptions to stay on top of — one of which is pest inspection.

Even if your trees appear healthy, this thorough look-over is worth your time. Here, we explore why winter is the best time of year to check for common tree pests in Georgia.

Why Check for Common Tree Pests in Georgia This Winter?

Get a Good Look Without Any Leaves

Thick canopies and lush blooms look lovely in the spring and summer, but they do create barriers if you’re sneaking a peek at your tree’s bark and branches. When trees are dormant and leaf-free, you won’t have to fight your way through thick foliage to get a good glimpse.

Without leaves and flowers obstructing your view, you’ll also have a clear sight of any signs of pest problems. Specifically, you’ll want to watch for:

  • Tiny pinholes used as entryways, caused by boring insects like pine borer or ambrosia beetles
  • Peeling or flaking bark (also known as “bark scaling”), is a notorious sign of beetles, spider mites, aphids, and other common tree pests in Georgia
  • Egg masses
  • White spots (sometimes caused by powdery coatings found on mealybugs)
  • Scale-like bumps that boring insects create as they tunnel through bark

Spot Signs of Pests Without Actually Encountering Them

While a colony of live insects may indeed be the most surefire sign of an infestation, stumbling upon them can be an unwelcome surprise. Catching their clues without actually coming into contact with the creepy crawlers is much preferred, which is why winter — when many are inactive — is a great time to scope things out.

Depending on the species and maturity of the pest, juvenile insects may overwinter deep inside dormant trees, while some adults can outlast chilly weather. In any case, you’re likely to see reduced activity — especially as eggs lie in wait for springtime hatching.

Set Yourself Up for a Successful Spring

Spotting signs of an infestation can be unsettling. Still, it’s better to discover an issue now — when you can treat it promptly — than to wait until the spring, when eggs have hatched and there’s an active infestation to cause damage. If you do suspect pest activity, you’ll want to apply a dormant oil spray. These petroleum-based solutions are toxin-free contact insecticides, meaning they kill pests that come into contact with the solution. Be sure to apply the product on a non-windy day to prevent it from spreading to sensitive species (such as evergreens), when the temperature will be above freezing for at least 24 hours. Target only the areas where pest damage is present to keep the rest of your ecosystem thriving.

Concerned About Tree Pests? Call Premier Tree Solutions

When caught early enough, most pest damage can be contained. But if you find a widespread insect issue and need professional help, turn to Premier Tree Solutions. Our team can assess your trees to determine the best steps for keeping your property pristine. For a free consultation, call us at 404.252.6448 or send us a message through our website.

Evergreen Trees in Georgia: Care Tips to Keep Them Thriving All Winter

From the Green Giant Arborvitae to the American Holly, Georgia is rich with native evergreens. While some are similar to the classic Christmas tree, not all evergreens are cone-shaped, nor do they all have needles! Some have a pyramidal shape, broad leaves, and other characteristics similar to those seen in deciduous trees.

What sets evergreens apart is their shedding pattern: Instead of dropping their foliage all at once, they lose it gradually year-round. Staying active through all seasons in this way calls for special care — especially during the cold, dry winter. Here are some ways to help your evergreens thrive this time of year.

How Do You Protect Evergreen Trees in the Winter?

Defending Against Desiccation

Also known as “winter burn,” desiccation is a common issue in evergreens. It’s characterized by needle or leaf discoloration, often manifesting as orange, brown, or purplish hues after a particularly harsh winter. Desiccation occurs when the water your tree loses through its needles or leaves (known as transpiration) exceeds the amount of water it can pick up through its roots. Factors such as harsh winter winds and long periods of direct sun can amplify this effect.

How do you maintain evergreen trees despite dry, windy winters? There are two key strategies for protection: watering and wrapping them.

Knowing When to Water

As tree specialists, one question we encounter often is, “Should I water my evergreens in the winter?” Like most aspects of tree care, it depends. Unlike deciduous trees, evergreens don’t go dormant during the winter and therefore need moisture year-round. But because they can no longer pick up additional water when their root system is frozen, you can help them out ahead of time.

Ideally, you’ll have given your evergreens ample water during the fall — a task that should be on your annual autumn tree care checklist. Watering their roots so they stay hydrated but never saturated is key, as is mulching around their base, which can help lock in moisture. But if precipitation has been lacking and you’re concerned that your tree’s roots are still getting too dry during the winter, try this trick: stick a long stake or screwdriver near the tree’s base, and see if it slides in easily. If so, your soil is likely hydrated enough to deliver continuous moisture. If not, you may need to replenish the water supply.

Wrapping for Wind Protection

Since harsh winds can accelerate transpiration, it doesn’t hurt to give your evergreens an extra layer of protection against particularly powerful gusts. Young saplings are the most fragile, so protect new trees by wrapping them when winds are expected to be intense. Breathable burlap is a safe bet — the material allows for ample airflow but still helps shield sensitive plants. Be sure to remove the covering once cold winds cease, as leaving it on too long could cause overheating.

Book a Service With Premier Tree Solutions

Even with minimal intervention, most evergreens are hardy enough to make it through harsh winters. But if you notice signs of damage on these or any other trees, allow our team to help. From tree trimming services to pruning and removal, we’re here to assist. Request an estimate by sending us a message online or by calling 404.252.6448.