INSECTS, DISEASES & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS TO OUR TREES
Tree Insects & Diseases Write Up
Aphids
Aphids collectively feed on a wide range of woody plants. Conifers as well as deciduous trees can be affected. Several species exist, with a wide range of life cycles. Aphids may be green, black, brown, red, pink, or another color, depending on the sap color of the host plant. They are usually slow-moving insects with somewhat pearshaped bodies, ranging in size from 1/16 – 1/8” long. LEARN MORE…
Ash Plant Bug
The ash plant bug is the most common insect species associated with
ash trees, only ash trees are susceptible. Adults are slightly under 1/4” long, varying in color from pale yellow marked with brown to almost black. They are extremely active insects, which scurry under cover or fly away when disturbed. Plant bugs are often overlooked because of their shyness and quickness, but LEARN MORE…
Japanese Beetle
The Japanese beetle is a small, greenish-bronze metallic beetle, about 1/4 to 3/4
inch long. First found in New Jersey in 1916, it became prevalent throughout much of
the eastern United States and is now quite common in Illinois. The favorite food
preference of this pest are woody ornamental plants such as lindens, birch, elm,
crabapple, plum, cherry LEARN MORE…
Anthracnose of ShadeTrees
Anthracnose is one of the most common
diseases of shade trees. It is caused by a group
of fungi whose spores spread from tree to tree
when moved by wind, rain or mechanical
means. The shade trees most often infected
with anthracnose in Illinois are ash, birch,
dogwood, filbert, redbud, elm, maple, oak,
sycamore, and walnut. LEARN MORE…
Anti-Transpirant
Anti-transpirant sprays are used as an aid in retaining water by keeping trees from “drying out” during the dormant season. Evergreens are susceptible to desiccation (dehydration) during the winter months when water resources become unavailable to tree root systems. Trees located in areas with exposure to extreme weather conditions or salt spray are especially susceptible to desiccation. LEARN MORE…
Apple Scab
Apple scab is the most serious apple and crabapple disease in Illinois. The symptoms of the disease first appear as olive green spots on leaves, in mid May to early June. Within a couple weeks, infected leaves may be dwarfed, cupped, or curled. The leaves may look yellowish brown, as shown in the photo at right. The entire tree may be severely defoliated by mid to late summer. Scab spots appear LEARN MORE…