Chicago is a beautiful city and a great place to live. The city has a lot of greenery, and trees make up a significant portion of the beautiful landscape. Tree diseases and pests can significantly impact the health of the tree, often leading to death. J & S Tree Service is a leading commercial and residential tree service company in the greater Chicagoland area. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some common pests and diseases to look out for in your trees and how to keep them healthy. Get a free quote today!
Keeping Your Trees Healthy in Chicago: Common Pests and Diseases
Keeping Your Trees Healthy in Chicago: Common Pests and Diseases
Keeping Your Trees Healthy in Chicago: Common Pests and Diseases
Dutch Elm Disease
One of the most common diseases that affect Chicago’s trees is Dutch elm disease. This disease is caused by a fungus that is spread by bark beetles, and it affects the water-conducting cells in the tree’s trunk. Dutch elm disease can cause the leaves to wilt and eventually the tree will die. There is no known cure for Dutch elm disease, so it’s vital to identify and remove infected trees quickly to prevent the disease from spreading. Contact our arborists for a diagnosis today.
Emerald Ash Borer
Another common pest that affects Chicago’s trees is the emerald ash borer. This invasive species of beetle feeds on ash trees, and it can cause a lot of damage to the tree as it feeds. The emerald ash borer can be identified by the unique D-shaped holes it leaves in the tree bark. The best way to protect your ash trees from this pest is to treat them with insecticides. Call our Chicago tree company to get started today.
Oak Wilt
Oak wilt is a tree disease that is caused by a fungus that affects the tree's interior. It can be so severe that the tree's leaves can wilt and die. Oak wilt can be spread through root grafts, so it’s important to keep infected trees away from healthy ones. The best way to prevent oak wilt is to have an arborist from J & S Tree Service inspect and treat your trees regularly.
Gypsy Moth
Gypsy moth caterpillars can defoliate entire trees in a matter of weeks. They feed on the leaves of the tree and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Gypsy moth populations can be controlled through the use of insecticides, but it’s important to act quickly to prevent them from doing damage to your trees. Get in touch today.
Bagworms
Bagworms are another pest that is common in Chicago’s trees. They hide in bags made of tree leaves and eat the tree’s foliage. Bagworms are more of a cosmetic issue than a health hazard, but they can still cause significant damage if left unchecked. The best way to prevent bagworms is to prune infected branches and to remove bags from the tree by hand. Call us for tree pruning services today.
Scale Insects
Scale insects feed on the tree’s sap and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off the tree. Scale insects can be controlled through the use of insecticides or by pruning infected branches. Let our experts inspect and diagnose your tree so that we can implement the proper tree treatment and care. Call today.
What You Can Do to Help Keep Your Trees Healthy
There are several things that you can do to help keep your trees healthy and free from pests and diseases. The first is to have an arborist from J & S Tree Service inspect your trees regularly to catch any early signs of problems. An arborist can also treat infected trees with the proper chemicals to prevent the disease from spreading.
Another thing you can do to keep your trees healthy is to provide them with proper nutrition. Trees need a lot of water, and they also need the right nutrients to thrive. You can help your trees by using fertilizer and mulch, and by watering them regularly.
Tree trimming is a crucial aspect of tree care that should not be ignored. If you notice any of the signs discussed in this article, it's time to call J&S Tree Service, Inc. Don't wait until it's too late — contact us today for all your tree service needs.