How To Keep Your Trees Healthy and Pest-Free
Most homeowners only pay attention to trees once it’s too late. By then, the tree is already dying due to pests and has begun to decay. The best approach to tree pest management is by addressing insect and disease problems at the onset. In this blog, we’ll share key steps on how to prevent pests from attacking your trees and shrubs.
Common Types of Tree Pest
A tree pest is an insect that harms trees by affecting their growth and production. The most common ones are the following:
- Mites
- Whiteflies
- Aphids
- Moths
- Psyllids
- Caterpillars
- Adelgids
- Bark Beetles
- Borers
- Pine Needle Scale
Steps To Fight Off Unwanted Pests and Insects
Monitor Your Plants
Since pests spread like wildfire, they tend to get out of control before you know it. By doing routine tree inspections, you can detect and address early signs of pest problems. These inspections are usually conducted during the growing season, dormancy, and after every storm to identify defects like dead and falling branches, chewed foliage, and exit holes in the trunk. If you suspect something is wrong, contact a reputable tree service immediately so that they can save your trees from any serious damage.
Keep Your Soil Rich and Fertile
As a homeowner, you need to ensure good soil conditions for your trees to grow in and avoid pest problems. Add compost yearly but do not overfertilize as an excess of nitrogen can steal nutrients and reduce stem strength. Always provide proper drainage and choose tree species suitable for your landscape’s soil type and condition.
Clean Your Landscape
Who doesn’t want a clean lawn and landscaping? We all want to maintain a beautiful yard filled with plants and greenery that improve our home’s curb appeal. Aside from aesthetic purposes, maintaining cleanliness can keep pests from hibernating in decaying branches and leaves. Insects love to hide out in trees and fallen leaves, fruits, and littering under the canopy. When you tend your plants regularly and control weeds, you can deter pests from making your yard their home.
Mulch Correctly
Mulch can improve soil nutrition, control weeds, and keep your landscape looking polished and vibrant. Tree care experts recommend that you mulch twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. It would be best if you only kept mulch about 12 to 18 inches from the trunk to avoid over mulching. Adding too much mulch can lead to root rot during wet seasons and provide a breeding ground for pest problems.
Do Not Overwater
Unless you want your plants to die quickly, you shouldn’t overwater them. Too much water will cut off the oxygen supply and drown the plant’s roots. Daily watering will cause root rot and weed growth, making the tree more susceptible to insect damage.
When watering your lawn, do not just look at the surface. Instead, use a soil probe or moisture sensors to determine the amount of moisture your soil needs. Always provide deep, soaking irrigation to the entire area and moisten the soil to a depth of 10 inches. Apply water thoroughly but do not water the area directly around the trunk.
Prune Properly
Regular pruning is important as it encourages tree growth, wards off infestations, and removes damaged limbs. When you enhance the tree’s natural shape, avoid improper cuts that provide entry points to pests. Improper pruning can cause decay and create large wounds that can be detrimental to the trees. Prevent any unnecessary tree injuries by hiring a professional tree service to handle the job.
Consult a Professional Tree Service Company
If your trees need troubleshooting, and you don’t have time to do so, it’s always best to reach out to an expert. Certified arborists like Midstate Tree Service of Harrisburg are trained to diagnose trees and treat insect infestations and other forms of tree disease. We are committed to keeping your trees healthy, vigorous, and vibrant for many years to come.
