INSECTS AND DISEASES

Common to the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area

If you suspect that any of the trees and shrubs in your vicinity have an insect infestation or disease, contact Branches. A quick response can prevent the spread of tree diseases and keep remediation costs to a minimum. Remember that trees add to your property's value, along with improving the environmental and esthetic quality.

Common Tree Insects

Azalea Lace Bug Imported pest prefers evergreen azaleas. Adults are 1/8" long, the transparent wings are held flat on back and have lacy appearance with two grayish-brown bands. Found on the underside of foliage. Nymphs and adults suck chlorophyll from leaf tissue, causing a coarse white stippling of leaves. (Late April-Summer)
Bagworm A native insect that damages a wide variety of trees and shrubs, particularly cedar, juniper and arborvitae. Adult moths are 3/4" inch long and black. The larvae are enclosed in silken bags, 1-2" in length, and covered with plant parts. (Late Spring)
Bark Beetles Most pines and spruces grown under stressed conditions are susceptible to attack. The three common Ips species each attack different tree parts, that is, branches, upper trunk, and lower trunk.
Black Vine Weevil Imported insect that feeds on roots and foliage(leaf margin notching) of broad-leaved evergreens, preferably Azaleas, Yews and Rhododendron. Adults are 3/8" long, black weevils with faint yellow flecks. (Late Spring)
Boxwood Pysillid Insect that feeds on American boxwood, causing terminal leaves to be cupped and stunted. Adults are about 1/8" inch long and resemble tiny cicadas. Insects usually found inside cupped terminal leaves
Cankerworms Many forest and shade trees are attacked by these native cankerworms. Apple, elm, oak, hickory, linden, birch, beech, and maple are preferred.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Imported pest often kills eastern or Canadian hemlock by feeding on needles and subsequent needle drop. Adult females are conspicuous because of white fluffy wax covering on twigs.(Early Spring-Fall)
Spider Mite Many types of spider mites infest both deciduous and evergreen landscape plants and are not readily visible without magnification. Look for early signs of stippling on needles and leaves, along with general discoloration.
Eastern Tent Caterpillar This moth larvae feeds on a number of plant species, but prefers wild cherry and ornamental fruit trees. Caterpillars have one stripe down back and construct silken webs in branch forks. (Mid-Late Spring)

Common Tree Diseases

Dogwood Anthracnose This is a fungal disease that slowly progresses from a foliar to a systemic infection and proves fatal to native dogwood species. Symptoms include brown nectoric areas along mid-veins, leaves held through winter, and water sprouts. Advanced signs include die-back and tree decline.
Apple Scab Apple scab is a fungal disease that attacks the foliage of apple trees and related species. Leaves exhibit brown necrotic areas that gradually enlarge and cause premature leaf drop, defoliating a large portion of canopy. Repeated infections lead to a general weakening of tree.
Botryosphaeria Canker This is a systemic fungal disease that infects a wide variety of trees and shrubs and causes visible cankers and limb die-back.
Seiridium Canker This systemic fungal disease is most often seen on the Leyland Cypress. Infected trees exhibit spots of exuding sap along trunk. Advanced signs include individual branch die-back and tree decline.
Bacterial Leaf Scorch Look for: Elm leaf margins exhibit browning and yellow halo.
Root Rot and Butt Rot Fungus A number of fungi actively attack trees and can cause structural failure

    Copyright ©2008 Branches Tree Experts, All Rights Reserved