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Let’s explore when to call an arborist for pest control. Here are the signs of tree infestations and how experts can protect your trees.
Introduction
Trees are the most important resource on your property—they bring about shading and beautification and even improve your property’s value. However, there is a risk of attack regarding the tiny pests that challenge even the sturdiest trees. They may cause extreme harm to trees if not treated as soon as possible.
While some tree issues may resolve naturally, others require professional intervention. But how can you tell it is time to call an arborist? Here is the informative guide of signs that inform you your tree needs expert services.
Why Is Pest Control Needed for Trees
Pests often cause serious impairment to the tree’s well-being, sometimes causing reduced growth, structural instability, and even death. Some pests penetrate the trunk or feed on leaves or roots, weakening a tree over time.
If left unchecked, infestation would spread to adjacent trees, creating an even larger issue for your yard, garden, or property. Efficient pest control saves trees and keeps the ecological balance of your outdoors.
Common Tree Pests and Damage
Aphids
A tiny, sap-sucking pest. Their infestation often stunts growth, making the leaves turn yellow and curl.
Borers
The larvae of beetles, like bark beetles, tunnel into trunks and branches, hindering nutrient flow and causing dieback.
Spider Mites
Small-sized pests infest leaves with speckles, bronzing, and premature drops.
Scale Insects
It is small-sized bumps on branches sucking sap from the tree and producing a sticky substance known as honeydew, which then attracts mold.
Caterpillars
These chewing pests can defoliate trees quickly, leaving them vulnerable to other stressors.
What are the common signs that your trees need an arborist’s help?
Sometimes, knowing whether a tree is struggling due to pests or other environmental factors is hard. The list of some common signs is:
Visible Insects or Pest Activity
You can easily observe the insects and pests on the branches, stems, and soil of the plant or tree. This is a clear indication of infestation. Although a few insects are harmless, others are not good for trees. Arborists can accurately identify how much damage has been caused and the suitable treatment.
Unusual Leaf Damage
Leaves are the first indication of a pest infestation in many cases. Holes, curling, discoloration, and premature leaf fall can indicate bark damage or sawdust. Yellowing leaves and skeletonized foliage could mean that aphids, caterpillars, or other pests are active.
Bark Damage or Sawdust
Borers and bark beetles leave telltale signs such as holes in the bark, sawdust at the base of the tree, or frass, a mix of wood particles and pest droppings. This pest is more dangerous because it disrupts the internal systems of the tree, which might lead to death if not treated.
Sticky Residue or Black Mold
Some pests, such as aphids and scale insects, excrete a sticky substance called honeydew that coats leaves, branches, or even surfaces near the tree. Honeydew often causes the growth of sooty mold, a black fungus that further damages the tree by preventing sunlight from being absorbed.
Dieback of Branches
A pest invading a tree disrupts its ability to transport water and nutrients. The result is generally the gradual death of branches. Especially at the top or outer edges of the tree. If you notice dead or wilting branches, it’s time to act.
Unusual Growths or Cankers
Some pests introduce fungi or bacteria that lead to abnormal growths or cankers (sunken areas on the trunk or branches). These growths can weaken the tree structurally and make it more susceptible to further infestation.
Tree Health Decline
If your tree looks less vibrant, is growing slower than usual, or has thin foliage, pests may be to blame. Arborists can assess whether pests are the primary cause or if other factors, like soil health or watering habits, contribute.
Why Call an Arborist?
While some pest issues can be managed with DIY methods, others require the expertise of a professional arborist. Here’s why:
Accurate Diagnosis: Arborists are trained to identify pest species, understand their life cycles, and determine the best action.
Customized Solutions: Every tree is unique. Arborists develop tailored pest management plans to address the specific needs of your trees.
Preventive Care: Arborists don’t just treat existing problems; they also help prevent future infestations by improving tree health and resilience.
Eco-friendly Approach: Experts such as Evans West Valley Spray employ eco-friendly treatments that safeguard your trees without harming the environment.
How Do Arborists Treat Pests?
When you hire an arborist for pest control, they follow a systematic process to restore your tree’s health:
Inspection and Evaluation
The arborist first begins with inspecting your trees and property. He identifies the pest species, determines the level of infestation, and looks for other possible issues, such as fungi infection or nutrient deficiency.
Development of the Treatment Plan
The arborist develops a tailored treatment plan based on the assessment done. It might be in the form of spraying, trunk injections, and soil treatments to treat the pests while fortifying the tree.
Applying Treatment
Using specialized equipment and techniques, the arborist applies treatments targeting pests while minimizing harm to beneficial insects and the surrounding environment.
Monitoring and Maintenance
The arborist might advise you to visit them for a regular check-up after treatment to confirm that the pests are completely eradicated and your tree is healthy.
How to Prevent Pest Infestation
The best way of treating your trees is prevention. Here is how to do it:
Maintain healthy trees: the healthier the trees, the less prone they are to pests. Good pruning, watering, and fertilization will do it.
Remove litter: fallen leaves, branches, and fruit are food sources for pests.
Inspect new plants: before putting new plants into your property, inspect them for any signs of pests.
Monitor regularly: monitor your trees for early signs of infestation.
Work with an Arborist: Hire professionals such as Evans West Valley Spray for periodic inspections so you can detect and prevent pest issues early.
Why You Should Trust Evans West Valley Spray with Professional Arborist Services
Experience and expertise matter when it comes to pest control for your trees. For over 40 years, Evans West Valley Spray has provided comprehensive arborist services protecting trees and landscapes in the Silicon Valley and Peninsula regions.
Our team is dedicated to preserving the beauty and health of your trees through environmentally friendly pest management solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with an active infestation or looking to prevent one, we’re here to help.