YOUR WASHINGTON LAWN & TREE CARE EXPERTS

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3 Tree-Killing Pests Of The Pacific Northwest

By: Impeccable Landscapes       June 20, 2016

Tree Trimming

Spokane is a gorgeous city situated on the shores of the Spokane River.

As part of the Rocky Mountain foothills in eastern Washington, the streets of Spokane are lined with beautiful trees, and there’s no shortage of lovely trees and shrubs in the yards of residents in town.

At Impeccable Landscapes, we know that healthy trees and shrubs are often the difference between a beautiful, inviting lawn and a lawn that looks neglected. While trees and shrubs might not need the constant fussing of a vegetable garden or your flower beds, they still need some tender loving care every once in awhile.

One of the biggest threats to trees and shrubs here in Spokane are the pests who like to treat them like their own personal, all-you-can-eat buffet. It’s a good idea for homeowners to be on the looking for these tree-killing pests so that you can enlist the services of the tree and shrub care experts at Impeccable Landscapes.

1. Aphids

You might be thinking, “Wait, aphids are only a threat to garden plants like tomatoes!” Sadly, this isn’t the case. Aphids are right at home sucking sap from trees and shrubs as well as garden plants. Allow them to do this for too long without taking action, and soon the leaves of your favorite tree or shrub will start to curl and die. Many of our clients in Spokane are also surprise to learn that sucking the life out of trees and shrubs isn’t the aphid’s only offense. While munching on your trees and shrubs, aphids also have the habit of secreting sap from their bodies which covers the branches and drips on trees. This sap is toxic to the plant, often causing them to mold.

2. Spider Mites

Like aphids, spider mites are a threat to many different kinds of plants. These tiny, eight-legged pests bite into tree and shrub leaves, creating tiny holes that allow the plant’s vital moisture to escape. Over time, the tree or shrub will start to dry out and die, no matter how much you water it. Spider mites are notoriously hard to see, so if you suspect they may be attacking your trees or shrubs, try this simple test: hold a piece of white paper under the potentially-affected area and gently tap the branch. Watch for small black flecks to fall onto the white paper and start moving about. If you see them, you’ve got mites.

3. Insect Borers

This is just a general category of tree and shrub-killing pests that includes such insects as the Asian Longhorned Beetle and the Bronze Birch Borer. These bugs are particularly toxic to trees, digging tunnels into their trunks and branches. With a particular affection for hardwood trees such as ash, elm, and maple, the bugs use these tunnels as a nest for laying eggs. Unfortunately, this nesting prevents water and nutrients from properly traveling through the tree, and it may end up dying.

Preventing Insect Infection With Professional Tree & Shrub Care

As you can see, there’s more to tree and shrub care than just an occasional trimming. If you want to protect your landscaping plants from these pesky pests, contact the tree and shrub care experts at Impeccable Landscapes. We’re always available to provide premium lawn care and landscaping services in Spokane!

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