Countless insects happily live on the bark, branches, and leaves of trees without issue. The trouble arises when insects infest trees, boring into the bark, laying eggs, and wreaking havoc on the plant’s health. When this happens, you need professional arborists to mitigate the infestation and save your tree.
Watch out for these five signs of insect infestation in trees from Tip Top Arborists, providing professional tree services in Tehachapi, CA.
1. Leaf Death or Loss
One of the most obvious signs of tree infestation involves the leaves. Typically, leaves should look vibrant and strong. They should not fall from trees outside autumn months or appear brown, curled, or holey.
If you notice the leaves falling off branches prematurely or turning yellow or brown, this could indicate that insects have begun boring into the trunk and cutting off the nutrient supply. While you may not see the pests yet, leaf loss and death are signs of serious issues you need a professional arborist to address.
2. Holes in the Trunk or Branches
Tree pests often bore into the trunk or branches, feeding on the tree’s interior or laying eggs. As a result, you may notice small holes, which are another sign of insect infestation in trees.
These holes may not be noticeable from far away. That’s why it’s a good idea to inspect the trunk health up close every so often. Look for small or large holes across the bark.
3. Excessive Presence of Bugs
Many homeowners believe that if their tree is infested with bugs, they will be able to see the critters. This is sometimes true but not always. Often, the insects live inside the tree, only becoming visible once the infestation has worsened and the plant is nearing the end of its life.
Still, if you notice an excessive insect presence on your trees, this is cause for concern. If you can, snap a photo of the bugs and send it to your arborist. They can identify the species and immediately create a pest control treatment plan.
4. Stunted Growth
One of the less obvious signs indicating tree health issues is stunted growth. This is particularly concerning in young trees, as it indicates that something has cut off the plant’s nutrients and inhibited its ability to grow. Without intervention, it will eventually die.
If you are concerned about tree health and growth, don’t hesitate to contact an arborist for assistance.
5. Debris That Looks Like Sawdust
Sometimes, boring insects create such small holes that you can only see them with a magnifying glass. But you can also look for another sign of insect damage in trees: debris around the trunk resembling sawdust. This indicates that insects have begun making holes in the tree, leaving sawdust behind.