Trees are like family members to many property owners, who watch their specimens grow and change as permanent fixtures. Diseases and tree pests can threaten that permanence, especially in an already weakened specimen. If you’re wondering how to protect trees from pests​ and diseases for long-term tree health and safety, it helps to have a strategy.
As a trusted provider of tree services in Farmington, CT, GM 2 Tree Services, LLC. explains some proactive steps for tree owners below.
Opportunistic Diseases and Pests Chip Away at Tree Health
Disease and pest infestation are among the more prevalent tree health issues that can bring even a vivacious specimen down. Common fungi, bacteria, and insects in Farmington, Connecticut, might include:
- Anthracnose: This diverse fungal subspecies affects some of your favorite trees, including oaks and maples. It causes brown-speckled, wilting leaves and twig dieback.
- Bacterial wetwood: Damp spring weather and an open trunk wound introduce bacteria into the specimen’s heartwood. The bacteria infect the trunk from the inside out.
- Emerald ash borers: These iridescent green beetles bore into ash tree trunks to lay eggs, slowly killing the specimen from the inside.
While these invaders are common in Connecticut, they aren’t the only ones.
How To Protect Trees From Pests and Diseases
What can you do to keep your beloved trees safe from diseases and pests? Let’s explore some simple steps that most property owners can manage over the seasons.
#1 Inspect For and Treat Obvious Infestations
During the growing season from early spring through late summer, perform a tree inspection. Act if you see the following symptoms:
- Tiny holes in the trunk bark
- Small piles of sawdust around the tree base
- Mushy or dry trunk wood
- Significant branch dieback
- Untimely leaf loss and discoloration
If you see the signs above, an arborist will know more about how to protect trees from pests and diseases.
#2 Remove Infected or Dead Wood
Discarded branches or dead limbs still clinging to the tree are gateways for pest infestations and diseases. It’s easier for fungal, bacterial, and other living organisms to gain traction in weak trees or deadwood compared to healthy, strong material.
Collect and throw fallen limbs away from your prized trees. If you discover connected branches that bear no leaves, remove them as part of proactive disease and insect control.
#3 Maintain Each Specimen’s Vigor and Health
Good tree health is every specimen’s first line of defense against invasive bugs and microorganisms. Water and nourish young or weak trees according to your arborist’s recommendations.
If you need help deciding whether to remove or treat them, schedule annual health inspections for trees.
#4 Nurture Companion Plants
Companion plants are a preventive treatment that can also beautify your landscape. Some companion plants that do well in Connecticut’s climate include:
- Hardy varieties of lavender
- Wild onions
- Marigolds
- Various mint subspecies
Many companion plants thrive in the tree’s shade while thwarting opportunistic insects because of their odors. It’s a good solution if you’re wondering how to protect trees from pests​ and diseases naturally.
#5 Seek an Arborist’s Assistance To Treat Active Infestations
A healthy tree can typically overcome opportunistic infections or infestations. However, hidden wounds or dead branches still stuck to the trunk may invite invaders to overtake the whole tree.
You need an arborist’s professional opinion. A tree expert may recommend natural remedies or stronger chemicals to rescue the sickly specimen. Either way, don’t delay the call!
Contact GM 2 Tree Services, LLC. To Combat Tree Pests and Diseases in Farmington, Connecticut
GM 2 Tree Services, LLC. knows how to protect trees from pests​ and diseases. For tree services in Farmington, Connecticut, call us at 860-940-5783! Making trees healthy again on your property is what we do.