While it may not take an arborist to realize that your tree is under attack from an insect infestation, it probably will take an arborist to determine why it is under attack, what is attacking it, and what interventions are necessary.

Symptomology is the study of the clues left behind by biotic or abiotic disorders. Biotic disorders refer to the negative effects, caused by infectious living organisms. Abiotic disorders refer to the negative effects caused by nonliving, environmental, or man-made agents. The symptoms of biotic and abiotic disorders can be identical. Die back (the condition in which the branches in the tree crown die from the tips toward the center) abnormal leaf color, early defoliation, and irregular new growth may be caused by compacted soil, extreme temperatures, flooding, or a chewing, sucking, or boring insect. It is critical that the causal agent be accurately identified in order to develop an effective treatment strategy.

The first step is to properly identify the species of tree under attack. Most insects use specific species of plants and trees as their food source. Identifying the type of tree or plant being affected will help identify the culprit. Once the pest has been accurately identified, a treatment plan can be developed. Every pest has one or more windows of vulnerability. During those times plant health care interventions have the best chance at deterring or killing the pests.

The second step is to identify the type of insect responsible for the damage. Insects will attack your tree in three different ways; boring into the trunk and or branches and chewing or sucking nutrients from the foliage. The type of damage is determined by the type of mouth part an insect has. Insects that chew leaves will cause skeletalization, notching, and shot holes in the leaf. Sucking insects may cause leaf curl, discoloration, or bubbling. During the early stages of an infestation the damage to an individual plant will manifest itself in isolated patches rather than uniformly distributed throughout the canopy. During the later stages of the infestation the damage will become more widespread as the insects proliferate throughout the canopy. By analyzing the type of injury to the tree an arborist can identify and target the pest with the appropriate intervention at the appropriate time.

Identifying the insect and administering insecticide may not be enough. Fungal and bacterial infections will quite frequently accompany an invasion and will require additional interventions aside from an insecticide. Even if the bug has been successfully eradicated but the fungus and bacteria left behind isn’t addressed the tree can remain in a state of distress and leave it weak and vulnerable to more attacks.

Healthy trees add value to your home, contribute to a healthy environment, and prevent the spread of pests, fungi, and bacteria to other trees in close proximity. If you think your trees need a checkup, contact us today to set up an arborist consultation.

Winter Tree Care Considerations