Our Guide to Performing a Summer Tree Checkup

There’s nothing like spending time outdoors with family and friends under the warm summer breeze, isn’t there? With the warm summer breeze, lush evergreen, and comfortable weather, it feels like anything is possible as if there are many opportunities in front of you just waiting to be seized.

While most possibilities during the warmer months are often associated with happy and fun things, the not-so-pleasant likelihoods can hamper the fun times. Just like winter, summer ushers in various factors and challenges that may harm the integrity of your home!

Checking In On Your Tree

Now that we’re in the middle of the summer season, you know what that means! Nope, we’re not implying barbeques, road trips, or hiking—the arrival of August means it’s time to spot if any Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is invading and damaging your trees.

You see, the mild and comfortable weather isn’t just perfect for beach time; it also creates the ideal environment for the Asian longhorned beetle to come out and feed on different trees. Infestations are a serious issue! Trees that the Asian longhorn beetle has fed on have no chances of recovery, so, unfortunately, you’ll have no choice but to call for tree removal.

Many suburban shade trees, recreational areas, and forests have suffered enough from the Asian longhorn beetle infestation, already leading to the loss of more than 180,000 trees. As such, as a homeowner, you must do your part in preventing the pest from spreading to healthy trees by taking care and checking in on your tree, especially during this time of the year.

How to Prevent ALB Infestation

No one wants to spend years taking care of their tree only to have it die in the end and undergo tree removal. If you want to ensure that your tree will continue to provide shade, fresh oxygen and boost your curb appeal for the decades to come, it’s crucial to examine it from pests.

Although the Asian longhorn beetle is notorious for significantly impacting the timber, tree nursery, and tourism industries, it doesn’t mean that you have no chance against them. For Tree Check Month, make sure to follow these steps below to prevent your tree from becoming severely infested from ALBs:

Spot the Beetle

The first thing you must do to keep ALBs away is to find out what they look like. You can’t go into this blind—trying to keep all bugs of different kinds away isn’t productive and will only waste your time.

Luckily, the Asian longhorn beetle is easy to spot, thanks to its recognizable characteristics. When looking for an ALB crawling around in your tree, watch out for these distinctive markings:

●     Antennae with black and white bands that are longer than the insects

●     A shiny, jet-black body with white spots that’s about an inch long

●     Six legs and feet, possibly with a bluish color

Once you’re sure that an Asian longhorn beetle is infesting your tree, document what was found and where and report your findings by calling 1-866-702-9938 or completing an online form at www.AsianLonghornedBeetle.com. If possible, place the insect in a container and freeze it for easier identification.

Recognize the Signs of ALB Infestation

Finding the beetle isn’t always easy, especially when you have a large tree or have more than one planted by your property. Besides seeing the insect itself, there are other signs you can look for when examining your trees, such as:

●     Round exit holes;

●     Oval or round-shaped egg sites;

●     Accumulation of frass;

●     Weeping sap; and

●     Unreasonable yellowing or dropping of leaves.

Conclusion

With August being the height of the summer season, it makes for the best time to spend your days outdoors with nature and under the warmth of the sun. However, remember that August is also the best time to catch the Asian longhorn beetle as it starts to emerge from the trees.

To help eradicate this beetle from the country and protect your trees, make sure to take a few minutes of your day to check up on your tree. With regular maintenance and examination, you’re sure to enjoy the shade and fresh air healthy, evergreen trees bring!

Do you have a dying tree infested by an Asian longhorned beetle? Then, let our team at Astros Tree Service TX handle the tree removal for you! Our professional tree experts can come to your property and inspect your trees to determine the proper way to remove them. Request a quote today!