Common Tree Pests in Edmonton, AB
They’re here, they’re there, they’re everywhere. Of all the many phenomena in life, one common factor remains heavy: tree pests. They infiltrate tree trunks. They thrive on healthy trees. They bring on premature leaf drop. They are ultimately your tree’s worst nightmare. However, at the end of the day, they are just tree pests. And while the collateral damage involved during a tree pests reign can be serious, they are just insects. And while certain ones can be beneficial insects, pests are still pests. Knowing what the common tree pests are in Edmonton can help you identify and address potential threats to your trees. By understanding the specific tree pests in your area, you can take proactive measures to protect your trees and maintain a healthy tree environment for them to thrive.
In today’s blog, our qualified tree care professionals at Trusty Tree Services will walk you through a wide range of common pests found in the Edmonton area and their impact on your trees. We will also guide you through the measures you can take, so you can keep your trees inspect pests free! Remember that prevention is the best approach when it comes to dealing with tree pests. By staying informed and implementing preventive measures, you can help ensure the health and longevity of your trees. Regular inspections and proper tree care can also make a significant difference in keeping your trees free from tree pests. Learn from our experienced Edmonton arborists about the common tree pests in Alberta.
How To Manage and Identify Tree Pests in Edmonton
There may be a number of different insects causing infected trees on your property or around the city. In the Edmonton area, two of the most commonly encountered tree pests are aspen leaf rollers and speckled green fruit worms. These troublesome critters can wreak havoc on the local tree population. There are also varieties of destructive beetles and tree pests that invade your scrumptious fruit trees. Let’s dive in and explore some effective methods to identify and deal with these pests in order to protect our trees and maintain a healthy ecosystem. Additionally, understanding the life cycles and habits of these insects can help us implement preventative measures to minimize future infestations.
Aspen Leaf Rollers
The presence of these tree pests was first documented in British Columbia in the early 20th century, and they have since been found throughout the range of birch and aspen trees in Canada. Identifying these insects may require carefully unrolling the leaves and closely examining the caterpillars, as there are other leaf roller species that target hardwood trees in Canada’s forests. The initial damage to the trees is caused by the larvae, as the adult females lay their eggs individually at the base of the buds, penetrate swollen buds in the spring, and feed on the leaves of birch trees and aspen trees. Subsequently, the caterpillars consume the leaves that have not fully sprouted. These caterpillars are pale yellow with brown heads, and they roll the leaves into small tubes, within which they sustain themselves by consuming the leaf tissues. Typically, aspen leaf rollers result in sporadic, localized damage, but they are still considered a pest of secondary importance. Apply a minimal amount of biological or chemical insecticide to manage these tree pests and repeat the process until they are completely eliminated. We suggest using Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt) as it effectively targets and eliminates the caterpillars.
Asian Longhorned Beetles
The Asian longhorn beetle, a wood-boring insect from Asia, is known for primarily targeting hardwood tree species such as elm trees, maple trees, sycamore trees, birch trees, and willow trees. Asian longhorn beetles cause significant damage to trees by creating large holes that block the flow of sap, making it more likely for affected outer branches to break off and fall. If not addressed, the trees will be unable to recover from the extensive damage and will ultimately perish. Moreover, there are no natural predators in Asia for Asian longhorn beetles, which means their populations can easily spiral out of control. Given the significant presence of the tree species mentioned above in our native and urban forests, an infestation of these beetles could have catastrophic consequences.
Emerald Ash Borers
The emerald ash borer is an incredibly fascinating beetle with its bright, metallic green colour and a size roughly equivalent to that of a rice grain, as its name suggests. These invasive insects wreak havoc on ash trees, chewing their way through the living tree’s bark and leaving behind a destructive zigzag tunnel that disrupts the flow of water and nutrients. As a result, healthy ash trees become vulnerable to these relentless invaders, and our native ash trees have little defence against them. The signs of an emerald ash borer invasion include dieback or yellowing of the tree canopy, peeling bark, and inevitable tree death within one to three years. The presence of ash trees on private property poses a significant threat to the health of our urban forests. If not properly addressed, emerald ash borers could severely impact our quality of life and infrastructure, as beetle-damaged trees can easily collapse.
Forest Tent Caterpillars
The forest tent caterpillar is a destructive pest that targets a wide range of deciduous trees and shrubs. In their early stages, these caterpillars appear as tiny, black, and furry creatures measuring around 3 mm in length. When they are not devouring foliage, these tree pests tend to congregate on tree trunks or outer branches. These invasive insects pose a threat to birch, ash, maple, and fruit trees, and during severe infestations, they will even feast upon any available greenery, such as your precious lettuce heads in the garden. To rid your trees and shrubs of these invasive insects, it is crucial to eliminate the egg bands that cling to them. These egg bands can be easily spotted during the transition from fall to spring, when the trees are bare of leaves.
The laboratory analysis of egg bands indicates a marked influence of parasitic wasps on the hatching process of forest tent caterpillar eggs. Instead of disposing of these egg bands, it is advisable to place them outdoors in areas where the winter snow levels are higher. This will ensure that the caterpillars perish due to a lack of food, while allowing the tiny wasps to complete their development. In case some egg bands are overlooked or difficult to reach, clusters of caterpillars can be eliminated by either pruning them off or using a powerful jet of water to wash them away.
European Elm Bark Beetle and Dutch Elm Disease
The Dutch Elm Disease (DED) poses a significant threat to all species of elm trees in Alberta. This powerful fungal disease is caused by a fungus that obstructs the water-conducting system of elm trees, leading to their deterioration and eventual death. The primary mode of transmission for the fungus is through three species of beetles, which transfer it from one elm tree to another. The three invasive beetle species are:
- Smaller European Elm Bark Beetle
- Native Elm Bark Beetle
- And the Banded Elm Bark Beetle
Beetles are ruthless predators, infesting weak and dying trees to create their own breeding grounds. Once these beetles mature, adult beetles spread to healthy elms, carrying dangerous fungal diseases with them. If you observe wilting and drooping leaves, followed by yellowing, browning, and shrivelling on one or more branches of your tree, it may indicate an infestation of elm bark beetles.
Aphids
Aphids, those small, sap-sucking tree pests that come in different colours depending on the species, can gather in groups on the undersides of leaves or new growth, where they feed on the plant’s sugary sap. As they feed, they release honeydew, attracting ants and fostering the growth of a black, sooty mould that can harm the tree’s vitality. The presence of aphids on fruit trees in Edmonton can lead to various issues, including distorted leaves, stunted growth, and compromised fruit development. They are particularly harmful to young fruit trees—cherry trees and pear trees—and are capable of transmitting plant diseases. Given their rapid reproduction rate, with up to 80 offspring in a week, early intervention is crucial to prevent them from causing severe damage to fruit trees, especially in the warm, moist conditions that occasionally occur in Edmonton’s otherwise dry climate. Black, sticky grounds are often the result of aphid poop, which means the nearby tree has been affected by aphids.
One of the most effective ways to control aphids on fruit trees is to introduce their natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on aphids and help to keep their population in check. Additionally, spraying a strong jet of water on the infested trees can physically remove aphids and reduce their numbers, providing a non-toxic method of control!
Trusty Tree Services: Edmonton’s Best Damage Control for Tree Pest Damage
The consequences of today’s study on tree pests can be extremely devastating. Tree pests are part of the natural world. Although we may hope they vanish with a wish upon a falling star, we must accept that this is their world, and we are just living in it. If your private trees have been infested with tree pests and are showing signs of potential collapse, don’t hesitate to contact our certified Edmonton arborists for expert tree care services, including tree removal, stump removal, and expert tree assessments. Our tree assessments can detect whether your tree is affected by a tree pest and provide guidance on the necessary next steps. As local business owners in Edmonton and the surrounding areas, we take pride in providing top-notch tree care and pest management services to help preserve the natural beauty of our local environment. Our team of arborists from Trusty Tree Services are dedicated to ensuring the health and longevity of your trees, and we are committed to sustainable practices that benefit both our clients and the ecosystem. Contact us today to get started.