Blog, Disease & Pest Prevention, Home Tree Care
Leaf Feeding Insects: Will They Harm My Trees?
Insects are a natural part of our ecosystem and vital to its health. So if you come across them on your trees, there is often no reason to be concerned.
Up Next: Recognizing, Treating, & Preventing Borer Infestations
There are insects that naturally feed on tree leaves that you don’t necessarily have to worry about but if they get out of hand, you will need to manage the population to prevent your trees becoming stressed. Here is what you should know about leaf feeding insects and your trees:
Common Leaf Feeding Insects
There are several leaf feeding insects that are present in Missouri that can affect your trees:
These insects can affect a wide range of trees from oaks to junipers, so it is important to know what trees you have to you can effectively treat them.
By themselves, leaf feeding insects will not kill your tree. Many trees can survive moderate defoliation but you should get your trees checked out if you are worried. This is especially important if your tree is already suffering from an underlying illness.
Symptoms Of Leaf Feeding Insects
If your trees are experiencing the following symptoms they most likely suffer from leaf feeding insects:
- Defoliation
- Skeletonized leaves
- Browning leaves
- Bags and nests
Get Your Trees Inspected By A Professional
If your trees see continued infestations, call an ISA Certified arborist at Hansen’s Tree Service to come to your home and provide you with a hassle free estimate. They will be able to provide you with a treatment plan if needed and the best ways to keep pests under control—from hand picking to spraying them off with a hose.