People travel from all over the world to Kentucky to witness the magnificent fall colors. With around 175 different tree species across the state, Louisville offers some of the best seasonal views. Unfortunately, pests threaten almost every type of tree, and once they take over, those beautiful fall colors disappear.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how to spot common tree pests and contact New Leaf Tree Service for arborist services in Louisville, KY.
Damage Caused by Tree Pests
Tree pests weaken trees, shorten their lifespan, and create risks for your property. The sections below describe the kinds of damage they leave behind.
- Pests strip leaves until the crown looks bare and weak.
- Feeding cuts off water inside the tree and slows growth.
- Weak limbs break during storms and fall on your home.
- Insects spread decay that kills trees that once looked healthy.
- Dying trees reduce shade, lower curb appeal, and hurt property value.
If you notice any of the damage listed above, call New Leaf Tree Service for help diagnosing and killing common tree pests and diseases.
Six Common Tree Pests in Louisville, KY
Louisville homeowners deal with a wide range of common tree pests that damage trees in different ways. The sections below explain what each group does and how to recognize the warning signs before the problem spreads.
Pest #1: Sap-Sucking Insects
Check the undersides of leaves to catch aphids before they turn foliage yellow and leave sticky residue. Remove scale insects when you see colorful bumps on twigs to keep limbs from dying back. Shake branches over white paper to reveal spider mites and confirm an active infestation.
Pest #2: Defoliating Pests
Watch hardwoods in spring and scrape off spongy moth egg masses so caterpillars don’t strip leaves. Remove tents from branches so eastern tent caterpillars don’t spread through oaks and maples. Inspect crowns for chewed foliage so you know which trees need treatment before damage spreads.
Pest #3: Wood-Boring Beetles
Look for pencil-sized holes and sawdust piles at tree bases so you can stop Asian longhorn beetles. Inspect bark for sap blisters so bark beetles don’t spread disease through your yard. Check ash trees for winding tunnels so you catch emerald ash borers before the crown dies back.
Pest #4: Leaf Spot Fungi
Rake and discard infected leaves so brown and black spots don’t spread through the crown. Trim dense branches so humid air doesn’t linger and feed leaf spot fungi. Call an arborist for treatment that stops the disease from spreading to healthy trees.
Pests #5 and #6: Nematode Infestations and Invasive Species
Test roots when growth slows so nematode infestations don’t block water intake. Remove lanternflies when you see them so sap loss and black mold don’t weaken your trees. Call for professional help so invasive species don’t gain a foothold in the rest of your yard.
Call New Leaf Tree Service for Help Spotting and Killing Common Tree Pests in Louisville, KY
Tree pests attack leaves, roots, and bark until your trees lose strength and your property loses value. Unchecked infestations kill trees, leave behind weak branches, and hollow out trunks. Once pests reach this level, trees rarely recover on their own.
If your tree shows any of these warning signs, call New Leaf Tree Service at (502) 419-9899 to request a free estimate or schedule an inspection. Our team identifies common tree pests, removes infestations, and protects your trees year-round. Check out our other blog post on tree care tips for summer to learn more ways to keep your property safe and healthy in Louisville, KY.