Pests can cause significant damage to your trees, causing them to become weak, sick or even die. Protecting your trees from potential pest infestations requires careful attention and proactive measures.
Here are our top tips for how you can protect your trees from pests.
1. Do Your Homework
Being knowledgeable about common pests in your area, which pests your particular tree is susceptible to and what signs to look out for is your first line of defence. Afterall, it’s easier to spot something if you know what to look for. Common pests can include aphids, beetles, borers and caterpillars. Diseases can be caused by the presence of bacteria and fungus.
2. Inspect
Carry out regular inspection of your trees so that you can spot signs of infestation early. Common signs of pest infestation can include:
- Holes in the bark
- Leaf loss
- Leaf discolouration, holes and spots
- Chewed leaves
- Abnormal growth patterns
- Sawdust around the base of the tree
- Presence of egg masses
- Actual sighting of insects
- Increase in deadwood
3. Prune Regularly
It’s important to have your tree pruned regularly for overall health, strength and vitality.
Be sure to have dead, diseased or dying limbs promptly removed to lessen the likelihood of pest infestation and disease taking hold and to improve air circulation.
4. A Bit Of TLC Goes A Long Way
Healthy trees are much more likely to resist pests. Make sure your tree has adequate water, sunlight, nutrients and protection from the elements if required. Adding mulch around the base of your tree is like giving your tree a health tonic and helps repel pests, regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds and improve soil quality.
Be careful not to pile the mulch directly up against the tree’s trunk however.
Avoid the temptation to over-water and over-fertilise, which can actually have an adverse effect on the tree and make them more vulnerable to pests.
5. Plant Resistant Tree Species
When choosing new trees to plant, choose species that are known to be resistant to common pests in your area. Native tree species are often a very good choice, as they are usually well adapted to the condition of the local area and more likely to be resistant of pests. If you aren’t sure, ask your local Arborist for their expert advice.
6. Keep It Clean
Make sure you keep your yard clean and tidy, as pests love to hide and breed in decaying organic matter. Remove grass clippings, fallen leaves, fruit and flowers as well as any other debris as promptly as possible.
7. Don’t Delay
If you do spot signs of pests, it’s critical to have the problem treated as quickly as possible. Treatment options will vary depending on the type of pest and the severity of the infestation, but may include treatments such as insecticides, introducing a natural predator and traps. If you are at all unsure on what to do, or you have a severe infestation, consult with your local Arborist who will be able to advise on the best course of action and give your tree the best chance of survival.
8. Prevent Future Infestations
To help prevent future pest infestations, keep your tree healthy and strong by routinely carrying out the aforementioned steps and have your local Arborist do regular inspections and maintenance for optimum tree health.
Protect Your Trees Today
For all your professional tree care and maintenance needs in Brisbane, speak to the team at Aussie Tree Solutions today. We have been taking care of South-East Queensland trees for over forty years and provide a full range of tree care services. So whatever your tree issue, we’ve got the solution! From tree pruning, to tree removals, mulch to stump grinding, we’ve got you covered.