Insects, critters and diseases can pose serious risks to the health and longevity of your tree

Left unchecked, insects and diseases can quickly turn your trees from assets into liabilities. 

How do I know if my tree is suffering from a disease or insect infestation? 

Signs of disease include: 

• Yellowing, browning or wilting leaves 
• Unusual leaf spots or lesions 
• Premature leaf drop 
• Presence of fungi (mushrooms)
• Changes in bark appearance (cracks/peeling/discoloration)

Signs of pests/insects will vary from tree to tree. That said, one of the most visible signs will show on the leaves, such as chewed foliage. You should also be on the lookout for: 

• Sticky residue on leaves (some insects excrete a sugary substance known as honeydew)
• Holes on bark (signalling wood-boring insects) 
• Visible eggs or larvae 
• Sawdust-like material (particularly around the base of the tree which might indicate tunneling or boring activity by certain insects)

Be sure to check out our pest and disease prevention guide to learn more about what you can do if you notice your tree has a pest or insect infestation. 

What types of insects affect trees and how do you manage them? 

We tackle a wide range of tree-damaging insects, including boxwood moth, aphids, borers, scale insects,  gypsy moth (now known as spongy moth) and more. Our treatments involve targeted applications of insecticides and biological controls to effectively manage and prevent infestations.

Are there specific diseases that affect trees and how do you address them? 

Diseases like anthracnose, emerald ash borer, and powdery mildew can impact trees. We very commonly treat fungal diseases like apple scab and spruce needle cast. Our ISA-certified arborists use fungicides and cultural practices to manage and suppress disease progression. 

Plan for the future 

Our preventive insect and disease management programs include regular monitoring, proper pruning, and promoting overall tree health. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of infestations and diseases before they become severe. Be sure to inquire about our Tree Maintenance Program, which includes a twice a year in-person inspection of your trees by one of our ISA-certified arborists.