EASTERN TENT CATERPILLAR

An eastern tent caterpillar is a web of caterpillars that begin to feed on the foliage of many trees in early spring. Apple, Crabapple, Hawthorn, Cherry and Mountain Ash are the most common trees to look for Eastern Tent Caterpillars. Overtime it can cause damage but rarely kill a tree. The webs can be pruned off in most cases, but sometimes insecticide treatment will provide best results.

BRONZE BIRCH BORER (BBB)

Most Birch (Betula) trees are susceptible to the BBB. Some more than others but the European Birch is often a target. The beetles emerge anytime from late May to June but do little damage to the tree. The larvae bore behind the bark leaving behind feeding galleries that disrupt the flow of water and nutrients. Look for die back from the top portion of the tree, a lump appearance to branches and D-shaped exit holes. There are treatment options available for this pest but if infestation is bad, a removal might be necessary.

NEEDLECAST

Blue Spruce (Picea pungens ) trees are the primary host of Needlecast disease. Trees look thin and begin to die from the bottom up. Needles turn purple or brown and cast off in the summer. If left untreated, Needlecast can kill a tree overtime, but some treatment options can be successful.

SOIL PROBLEMS

Soil issues can affect any tree no matter the size, age or type. Unexplained early fall colour and leaf drop, stunted growth and a tree in a state of decline may have soil problems. Compaction, poor drainage, nutrient deficiency or drought can all lead to a sickly tree. Often a tree with issues in the soil can go unnoticed and untreated leading to a state of decline.

EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB)

All Ash (Fraxinus) trees are susceptible to the Emerald Ash Borer. This beetle emerges anytime from end of May to the end of June (depending on spring temperature). The beetles are not the threat to the tree, but their larvae do the damage. They tunnel behind the bark in the cambium layer creating S-shaped galleries and damaging the tree from the inside by disrupting the flow of water and nutrients. Look for D-shaped exit holes in bark on trees with thinning canopy’s. There are treatment options for this pest but if a tree is already infected it can be difficult to reverse.

DIPLODIA TIP BLIGHT

Pine (Pinus) trees are affected by Diplodia Tip Blight. You will see this fungus in three needle pines such as Austrian or Red. Trees will look like they have dead tips and the new needles will be stunted and straw coloured. This fungus spreads naturally through the wind, animals and even on tools. If left untreated this disease will take over the tree and begin to decline. Pruning to increase airflow and sunlight will drastically change the survival rate for an infected tree, with fungicide treatments available.

TAR SPOTS

Maple (Acer) trees are affected by Tar Spots, a fungus primarily found in the Norway Maple (Acer platanoides). Look for dark spots on leaves, as some can be up to an inch in diameter. Other leaves might be worse and drop prematurely. Tar spots are unlikely to be fatal to a tree but they tend to be very unsightly. Raking up leaves in the fall will help the spread of fungus for the following spring. Pruning can help improve air circulation and increase sunlight, which will help as well.