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Learn on 5 best practices for protecting your trees from pests
Pest buzzing is irritating, causes property damage and food contamination, and threatens human health. Tree pests are even more devastating as they can invade the tree and cause significant damage. Therefore, it is crucial to know how to safeguard your trees from pests to maintain their health. Continue reading to discover the best practices to protect your trees from pests.
Regularly Inspect Trees
- Early detection of pests is critical to protecting your trees. Start inspecting your trees regularly once bug season starts.
Signs of pest infestation include:
- Anormal growth patterns
- Boreholes in the bark
- Discolored leaves
- Unusual leaf size
- Thinning foliage
If you observe any of these symptoms, seek the assistance of a professional arborist for proper assessment and treatment.
Effective Watering Practices
- A well-hydrated tree is better equipped to withstand pest attacks. To promote tree health, avoid exposing them to undue stress, such as prolonged dehydration. Adequate watering and mulching during drought will increase the tree’s chances of survival. However, excessive moisture can also harm the tree, so ensure the soil has proper drainage.
Regular Tree Pruning
- Regular pruning is essential for maintaining optimal tree health. It improves air circulation and ensures that sunlight reaches all parts of the tree to promote growth. However, trees can be more susceptible to pests immediately after pruning, so pruning at the right time in the right place is crucial. Prune trees at the appropriate time of year to help minimize pest risks.
Maintain a Clean Yard
- Clearing your yard of fallen branches after pruning or after a storm can help prevent pests from feeding on moist wood. This is especially important during the flight period of beetles in spring. In addition, keeping your yard tidy and free of debris makes it easier to spot pest infestations.
Protect Trees by Wrapping
- Harsh weather can pose threats to trees in multiple ways. Wrapping your trees in the winter can prevent the wood from cracking or splitting. Cracked or split wood attracts pests. Cover trees with missing bark to prevent pests from infesting the exposed wood. Tree wraps provide a protective layer against harsh weather and insect damage. They regulate the temperature by allowing air and water to circulate while shielding against sunscald.
Sunscald is caused when the sun’s rays reflect off the snow and cause the tree trunks to crack. Tree wraps also act as a barrier against pests. The wrapping should be done between November and April to provide warmth during winter. You can use burlap, corrugated cardboard, polypropylene fabric, or craft paper to wrap the tree. In addition to wrapping, using dormant oils can effectively keep insects and pests at bay. Spray fruit trees with dormant oils before buds appear to kill insects, their larvae, and eggs and to protect delicate shoots and leaves.
Seek Professional Help
Don’t let pests destroy your beautiful trees. Take action today by following the best practices for protecting your trees from pests. Contact an arborist for personalized advice and establish an effective tree care plan that incorporates preventive measures against pests. Arborists are trained to identify early signs of infestations and use specialized insecticides to control pests. Seeking professional help can ensure that your trees remain healthy and protected against insect attacks.
Sometimes a pest infestation can be controlled and eliminated by pruning the affected branches of the tree. If you are unsure whether your tree has been infested with a pest, contact American Tree Experts Inc today. Call us at 973-774-6091 today, and let us help you with all your tree and plant pest management needs.