If you live in Kansas City, and you love your trees, here are some common tree insects and diseases to keep an eye out for. First of all, we like to encourage homeowners to regularly check your trees with a critical eye for signs of tree distress. These could include premature leaf color change, spots on leaves, curling leaves, or dropping leaves. At KC Arborist, we are tree experts and we can diagnose the symptoms. But we canât diagnose the symptoms if you donât alert us to the problem. So keep a close eye on your trees and check them up close at least once a month. Here are some of the most common insect and disease problems we see. Look for these symptoms.
The Emerald Ash Borer is Wreaking Havoc on Ash Trees
Highest on our list are the ash trees. The Emerald Ash Borer is a destructive beetle that has been killing Ash trees from Canada, through the northern U.S. and has made its way into the Kansas City Metro Area. Look for dieback in tree canopy, new sprouts forming at the treeâs base, D-shaped exit holes on the trunk and woodpecker damage.
Fungal Diseases and Water & Nutrient Deficiencies Cause Needle Blight and Leaf Drop
Rust and Scab are fungal diseases that cause the leaves to fall off of infected trees. Two specific trees that are susceptible to rust and scab are Crabapples and Hawthorns. Keep an eye on those.
Tip Blight & Needle Blight causing brown needles is a big problem for Kansas City’s pine and spruce trees. It can also affect juniper, arborvitae, and yew. Needle blight is most often caused by drought, winter injury, sunscald and root rot. We can keep these problems under control and keep your evergreens healthy.
Nutrient Deficiencies in Oak and Birch trees are common in Kansas City. Look for pale, yellow leaves and early leaf drop. If caught in time, we can get to the root of the problem and restore your tree’s health.
Insects and Disease Affect Spruce and Other Trees
Spruce trees are especially susceptible to insects and disease. Rhizosphaera Needle Cast and Spruce Spider Mites are two serious offenders affecting our area Spruce trees. With proper timing and applications, we can prevent these issues and often eliminate existing outbreaks.
Call a Tree Care Professional at the First Sign of Insects or Disease
At KC Arborist, we know exactly what to look for in your Kansas City landscape. Now that you know what to look for, call us if you suspect any tree distress that could indicate disease or insect infestations. Our team of experts will come to your home and diagnose the affected trees and can start treating them right away. Follow this link for more information on our Kansas City area tree healthcare services. A tree is a terrible thing to lose. Keep your trees and bushes happy and healthy with regular examination and maintenance.
