How to Protect Your Trees from Cicadas
As cicada season looms, homeowners nationwide are scrambling to shield their cherished trees. At Monster Tree Service, we get it - your landscape matters. That's why we're here with some expert tips to keep those buzzing invaders at bay. Our certified arborists have seen it all when it comes to these fascinating (but potentially troublesome) insects.
The Cicada Lowdown
Cicadas are nature's noisy alarm clock, emerging in masse every 13 or 17 years. These critters spend most of their lives underground, only to burst forth in mind-boggling numbers. Once they surface, it's a race against time - they climb trees, shed their exoskeletons, and kick off a frenzied mating season.
Their life cycle is like something out of a sci-fi movie. Eggs hatch in tree branches, nymphs plummet to the ground, and then they vanish. For years, they're MIA, secretly sipping tree root sap. Then, boom! Millions resurface simultaneously, turning affected areas into a bug-eyed spectacle.
Tree Trouble on the Horizon
Now, cicadas aren't leaf-munchers or bark-biters, but they can still spell trouble for trees, especially the young ones. The real headache comes from egg-laying females. They slice into small branches and twigs to deposit their eggs, often causing these branches to split, wither, or die. This damage, known as "flagging," can be a real pain for saplings and newly planted trees.
You might spot the damage as brown, lifeless leaves at branch tips. In worst-case scenarios, entire branches might snap off, weakened by too many egg-laying sites. While sturdy, mature trees usually shrug this off, younger trees can take a serious hit that impacts their growth and overall health.
What Trees Do Cicadas Eat?
Cicadas aren't picky eaters, but some trees are more likely to end up on their hit list. Deciduous trees, especially those with slender branches, are prime targets. The most vulnerable species include:
Oak
Maple
Fruit trees (think apple, pear, cherry)
Dogwood
Redbud
Birch
Young trees, particularly those planted in the last couple of years, are sitting ducks. Their tender branches are like a buffet for egg-laying cicadas, and their less-established root systems make it harder to bounce back from damage.
Can You Prevent Cicadas?
While we can't stop cicadas from emerging, we can certainly throw a wrench in their plans to damage your trees. Here are some tried-and-true tactics our Monster Tree Service experts swear by:
1. Net It Up
One of the best defenses is a good offense - in this case, fine mesh netting. Cover vulnerable trees with netting that has holes no bigger than 1/4 inch. Wrap it snugly around the trunk and make sure it extends past the canopy. This physical barrier is like a "No Entry" sign for cicadas looking to lay eggs.
2. Play the Waiting Game
If you're itching to plant new trees, consider hitting pause until after the cicada invasion. Tree experts suggest waiting at least two years before a predicted cicada emergence to plant new trees. This way, your green newbies won't be in the line of fire during peak cicada madness.
3. Keep Your Trees Fighting Fit
Healthy trees are resilient trees. Make sure yours are well-watered, properly mulched, and disease-free. Strong, vigorous trees can better weather the cicada storm and bounce back faster from any damage.
4. Post-Battle Pruning
Once the cicadas have moved on, it's time for damage control. Inspect your trees and prune any broken or badly damaged branches. This promotes healing and prevents further issues. Just remember, proper pruning technique is key - you don't want to add insult to injury by stressing the tree further.
How Do You Stop Cicadas from Making Noise?
The cicada chorus can be overwhelming for some folks. While we can't hit the mute button on nature, there are ways to dial down the noise:
1. Green Sound Barriers
Get creative with your landscaping. Dense shrubs and broad-leaved trees can act as natural sound absorbers. Consider creating buffer zones of thick vegetation, especially in cicada hotspots.
2. Sound-Soaking Materials
In your outdoor living spaces, opt for materials that soak up sound rather than bounce it back. Soft furnishings, outdoor rugs, and even a strategically placed water feature can help mask the cicada soundtrack and create a more zen environment.
3. Time It Right
Cicadas are at their noisiest during the heat of the day. Plan your outdoor activities for early morning or evening when the cicada chorus is on a coffee break.
Keep in mind, while these tricks can help take the edge off, they won't silence the cicadas completely. These insects play a crucial role in our ecosystem, and their emergence is just nature doing its thing. We've got to learn to roll with it.
Preventing Your Trees from Cicadas
Protecting your trees from cicadas is all about being proactive and giving your green friends some TLC. By putting these strategies into action, you can minimize potential damage and keep your landscape looking lush throughout cicada season.
At Monster Tree Service, we're all about keeping your trees healthy and beautiful. Our team of certified arborists knows their stuff - from assessing your property to implementing protective measures and providing ongoing care. Remember, when it comes to tree care, "It takes a Monster" to get the job done right.
Don't let cicadas wreak havoc on your beloved trees. Give Monster Tree Service a shout for a free, no-strings-attached estimate. Our experienced crews are ready to give your trees the VIP treatment they deserve. We pride ourselves on being professional, reliable, and environmentally conscious. After all, we treat your property like it's our own.
Want to dive deeper into cicada protection and tree care? Check out these resources:
Remember, whether it's cicada defense or any other tree care challenge, Monster Tree Service has got your back. We're built for this, and we're ready to tackle whatever your landscape throws our way. Get in touch today and see the difference real tree experts can make for your property.