Check Your Tree for Invasive Asian Long-horned Beetles

For all you tree enthusiasts out there…. August Is Tree Check Month!

The month is almost over, but you still have time to do your part to support the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) initiative to stop a highly invasive and destructive insect known as the Asian Long-horned Beetle (ALB). Continue reading to learn more about these intrusive bugs, and what you can do to help keep them away!

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Long-Horned Beetle

What You Can Do

To support Tree Check Month, all you have to do is take a quick look at your landscaping trees. Spend 10 to 15 minutes closely examining the bark and branches for signs of the Asian Long-horned Beetle. Look for round, drill-like holes that are around the size of a dime or smaller; these are common indications of boring. Also be on the lookout for the actual culprits. Asian Long-horned beetles appear black in color, 1” to 1 ½” long, with long black and white antennas.

Common Signs of ALB:

Wood Dust Material Around Trunk and Branches
Oval-Shaped Scars on Bark
Round Holes in Bark and Branches
Dead Branches
Falling Limbs
Loss of Foliage

What To Do If You Find Evidence of Them

If you see even one, or signs of invasive beetles, do your part by reporting the case right away. Why? Because Asian Long-horned beetles destroy millions of acres of woods and forests. Once trees are affected, there is no cure. According to the USDA, more than 160,000 trees have died so far from ALB invasions. Asian Long-horned beetles like to target valuable hardwoods, such as poplars, birch, elm, ash, willow, and maple.

Before you make the report, take a picture of the beetle, or any possible signs. If you can capture an actual specimen, do so and freeze it; do not worry, it cannot hurt you. Once you have collected evidence, then contact the local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) by calling 1-866-702-9938 or completing an online form here.

Fishers Tree Service

Call 317-537-9770 for professional Fishers tree service you can trust. We are highly trained and experienced tree care contractors that offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at competitive prices. We also offer tree service coupons and discounts! Request a free estimate for Fishers tree service, today.

Fishers Tree Service 317-537-9770
Fishers Tree Service 317-537-9770

Can I Use Lawn Pesticide Around Trees?

We all want great-looking lawns. So treating them for weeds is a common practice adopted by many homeowners all across the world. The problem is that weed killer doesn’t just kill weeds; it can harm many other living organisms too, including trees. This can be a big problem since trees have a significant impact on the overall appeal and value of a property. If you want to kill off weeds and unwanted grass in certain areas of your lawn, but there are trees in the same vicinity, you will need to take extra precautions.

Continue reading to learn more about lawn herbicides, including how they can harm trees and the best methods of application.

Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770
Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770

Pre and Post-Emergent Herbicides

There are two common types of products available to treat weeds and grass. Pre-emergent lawn herbicides prevent weeds and unwanted grass from germinating, and ultimately, growing. They generally come in granule form that can be sprinkled into the soil by hand, but are only effective when seedlings have not yet appeared; they will not work against grass that grows from rhizomes. Post-emergent herbicides usually come in spray form, and can be used to treat grown patches of weeds and grass. They enter the vascular system through leaves or blades, and kill the plants from within.

Lawn Herbicides Around Trees

It is important to read all manufacturer’s instructions before applying an herbicide product around the base of a tree. Keep in mind that they are not all the same. Some herbicides contain chemicals that will quickly soak into a tree’s root system and do all kinds of irreversible damage. Look for herbicidal products that contain active ingredients like glyphosate or sethoxydim; these two ingredients are generally safer to use around young and mature trees.

Proper application is still vital when using herbicide products around trees, even if they are deemed safe. Using too much or placing it in the wrong locations can cause damage to a tree. You want to prevent chemical drifting by wrapping the base of your tree with cardboard or plastic tarp. This will protect the bark and prevent the trunk from absorbing unwanted herbicide. In fact, it is best to apply your herbicides on a day when wind is mild to prevent drift.

Alternative Weed Killers

Aside from using chemical herbicides, you can implement some alternative methods to prevent weeds from growing around the base of your trees. One of the most effective techniques is to mulch. Mulch is an excellent organic method of thwarting grass and weed seed germination. Using mulch in combination with landscaping fabric is a highly effective method of preventing weed growth beneath trees.

Professional Tree Service in Fishers

Call 317-537-9770 for professional and affordable tree service in Fishers, Indiana. We are experienced tree care contractors who provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including routine tree service, major tree work, lot clearing, and more. Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for Fishers tree service, today.

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