If you happen to notice curling leaves or damage to tree leaves and stems, it may be an early sign of bigger tree problems that could indicate possible infestations.
There are few things more relaxing than enjoying the warm weather and sitting under trees. This far into the growing season trees probably look their best. If you happen to notice curling leaves or damage to tree leaves and stems, it may be an early sign of bigger tree problems that could indicate possible infestations. Check out the diagnostic tool below to identify what damage certain types of insects can do to your tree and how to maintain your tree for the best quality.
Cankerworms
Cankerworms are known for eating away at leaves and stripping the tree of nutrients.
If you see these symptoms, you may be a victim to a hungry caterpillar: chewed and ragged looking leaves that fall prematurely.
To control this, apply pesticide in the spring to remove cankerworms, this will prevent autumnal infestation.
Aphids
Aphids are known as plant lice and they feed on tree leaves and stems, preventing proper nutrients and can cause premature leaf dropping.
Symptoms of these lice can be leaf curling, twig dieback, sooty mold that looks black, and stunted growth.
To stop aphids, you can use horticultural soap treatments or insecticides. Your arborist will most easily know how to deal with these pests.
Bagworms
Bagworms are critters that can camouflage and typically consume tree leaves in a subtle way that is typically unnoticeable until there is significant damage.
Symptoms to look for are silly webs in trees, chewed leaves, and branch death with no regrowth.
You can treat bagworms by handpicking them off, or your arborist can apply insecticide treatment.
Whitefly
Whiteflies can be a very unwelcome entity that may be one of the more familiar insects on this list. Whiteflies suck plant sap from new and tender tree leaves.
Symptoms include yellow spots or leaf curling on new tree leaves, premature dropping and a clear sugary substance under your tree.
To treat a whitefly infestation, you can use a horticultural oil treatment and sticky traps.
Tree Care for Every Tree from Nelson Tree Specialist
Nelson Tree Specialist provides specialty arborist services, tree crane services, tree care services and dead tree removal services. We are well known for our top-notch skills and professionalism. We are member of the International Society of Arboriculture and we are considered certified arborists. We are also an accredited business through the Better Business Bureau and we have great reviews through Angie’s List. To find out how we can help your trees, whether they are exotic or normal, give us a call at 301-854-2218 if you are in Washington D.C, or 202-909-5662 if you are in Baltimore. Feel free to visit us online as well. For more interesting tree facts and tips, follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!