Tree Pests

 Bark Beetle is on the rise in our area. During the 2021 tree season we saw Bark Beetle spread all throughout central New Mexico. With our current moisture conditions, we are expecting the problem to only grow worse during the 2022 season. This beetle bores into the Pinion tree and lays its eggs. Once the eggs hatch the larvae destroy the inner workings of the tree, normally where the tree delivers water. Normally this is enough to kill a tree but even when it doesn’t the beetle leaves behind a blue stain fungus that will eventually kill the tree. The only way to keep pinion trees safe from bark beetle is to treat them preventively. We have found power spraying with proper products to be far superior over any other treatments including injections. 

 Pinion Needle Scale is highly active in our area. The pinion trees are affected every year by this insect, and it is only becoming more prominent as time passes. The bug always swarms in springtime mating and laying its white cottony egg masses all on and around pinion trees. When these eggs hatch, they crawl to the pinion needles and attach themselves covering their bodies in a hard black waxy shell. Once this happens, they begin sucking sap out of the tree through the needles stripping the tree of its needles. We have seen scale to have multiple generations a year with our current conditions.  Power spraying with proper products is the most effective treatment available for scale.

 Twig Beetle is a smaller version of bark beetle ¼ the size. These beetle behave similarly but rather than affecting the trunk of the pinion tree, they affect the branches and limbs primarily. Treatment for these beetles is the same as bark beetle. 

 Locust Borer infests most locust trees in our area. Without treatment the borers damage the limbs and tree and can make branches and whole trees susceptible to wind and weather damage. These borers are often fatal to locust trees but treatments are available that are highly effective at protecting these trees from borer damage.

 Elm Scale is an insect that effects elm trees. It attaches to the branches of elms and sucks the sap out of the tree. This process creates an excessive dripping of honey dew attracting ants and flies and many different types of bugs. This dripping of honey dew from the canopy stains stucco and other finishes even cars parked under the trees get covered in this sticky substance. Apart from the mess it causes, it is also very stressful to the tree itself, keeping them from thriving at their full potential. 

 All trees are susceptible to fungus. Some trees Tend to deal with fungus more often than others (aspens, blue spruce, pines, pinions, fruit). Certain types of discoloration in foliage are normally the easiest way to identify fungal problems. We have treatments to help protect and correct fungus problems. As with all tree problems it is always easier to prevent and protect problems than trying to correct them once the tree is infested. 

There are many different types of Spider Mite that attack many types of plants and trees. They can be difficult to control because they nest in the ground below the tree. When identifying you will typically see a webbing incase a branch on the tree or plant. 

Tussock Moth often attack Spruce trees. They typically start at the top of the tree and you will notice the needles turning reddish brown.  

Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from trees intern produce a sticky honeydew that drip on everything underneath the tree. They are typically found on the underside of the leaves.

Tent Caterpillar typically attack deciduous trees. They hatch in early March and form large silk nests on branches of the tree. they will eat the foliage of the tree causing it to look unsightly. Damaged trees will typically recover when treated.

Tip Moth will attack new growth on pinon and sometimes other pine trees. Although not fatal to the tree it does cause the tree to look deformed and does not allow the new growth to flourish.

Bagworm caterpillars make pine cone looking sacks that hang from tree branches. Although the moth form cannot fly the larvae can be carried from tree to tree with the wind. If not treated they can cause death to the tree after multiple years.