How to Handle Distressed Trees That Attract Pests

That dead tree in your yard isn’t just unsightly, it’s attracting insects that devour wood. Even a distressed tree could be an easy target or a sign that bugs are already creating an infestation. It’s crucial that you know how to spot a distressed tree so that it can be handled ASAP.

Signs That a Tree is Distressed

A cold winter like the one we just had in Alabama can put a lot of stress on a tree. This in turn makes them more susceptible to insects and diseases. Any time there is adverse weather or less than ideal growing conditions property owners need to keep a close eye on their trees.

 

Common signs that a tree is distressed include:

• Dead wood
• Wilting
• Dieback – This is when branch tips are no longer producing leaves.
• Splits or cracks
• Trunk that leans or tilts
• Hollow trunk
• Mushrooms on the tree or around its base
• Chewed or discolored leaves
• Misshapen or distorted parts
• Slow growth
• Peeling bark

Infested Trees

When a tree is infested with insects its health can rapidly decline. First, there’s the damage from the insects burrowing into the tree. Pathogenic fungi can easily enter in where the insects have made nests and holes or a secondary pathogen can cause an infection.

Frass on or around the trees and the presence of insects are the two clear indicators of an infestation rather than another issue. Toothpick-like frass tubes sticking out of the tree’s trunk and/or stems is a sign that ambrosia beetles have burrowed in to make a nest for their eggs, which has become a problem of late in Alabama.

How to Help a Distressed Tree

Signs of distress aren’t a death note, but they are a cause for immediate action. Oftentimes distress is caused by the weather, insects, disease or root problems due to humans. To give your tree the best shot at survival do the following:

• Examine the tree or bring in an arborist to determine what exactly is causing stress for the tree.
• Remove any areas that are already dead.
• Make sure the soil conditions are right for the species of tree. Soil that’s too compacted or doesn’t have the correct pH can have a huge impact on the overall health.
• Use compost or organic fertilizer around the base of the tree to help strengthen the root system.
• Ensure the tree is getting adequate water without being oversaturated.
• Be careful to prune the tree properly.
• Put mulch around the base of the tree to discourage people from walking over the root structure and keep mowers at a safe distance.

If the tree has an infestation remove the infested areas immediately and use a pest treatment to eradicate the insects. If the majority of the tree has been affected it may be time to just remove it so the insects or disease don’t spread to other trees.

The best way to ensure that your trees are able to handle stress is to keep them as healthy as possible. Regular pest control management is an important part of keeping your trees healthy. Give Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, Inc. a call if you live on a tree-filled property in Alabama.

 

Image Source: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fungal_attack%5E_Infested_beech_tree_at_Fyvie_Castle_-_geograph.org.uk_-_577875.jpg, www.flickr.com/photos/kalt/13102010324

Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/garden-pest-control/handle-distressed-trees-attract-pests/