Bug Education (First Edition)

Getting a solid bug education may be helpful if your yard is full of plants, foliage and trees.  You want to keep your greenery healthy and looking it’s best.  By being aware of the different pests and insects that affect the trees here in Minnesota and treating it if you do have pests, you will be able to put your best foot forward in preventing infestation.  Here is a set of just three of the most likely creatures that affect the trees here in Minnesota. 

Emerald Ash Borer

In May 2009, the Emerald Ash Borer was first found in St. Paul, Minnesota.  It has traveled over from Michigan, where it was discovered in 2002 and has ruined more than a million trees in the U.S. alone.  Taking preventative measures to protect your ash trees will be the best way to try and keep the emerald ash borer away.  Once this little pest infests your ash trees, there is little you can do to stop it.  It all comes down to being prepared ahead of time.  Many trees have already been saved from the destruction of the emerald ash borer.  Even if other ash trees in your area have been infested, a preventative treatment regimen can still protect your trees from getting this bug.

Twig Girdler & Pruner

These little guys love many of the same trees you do.  They attack elm, dogwood, poplar, hickory, oak, and fruit trees and many more.  You will likely see branches that look chewed from either the outside or the inside and dead twigs that do or are about to snap off if you have twig girdlers or twig pruners.  The best thing to do is to remove the infested looking branches, and consult your arborist to see if chemical treatment will work on your trees for effective results.  Not every case will benefit from treatment, but it won’t hurt to see if you can stop the twig girdler and pruner from continuing to munch on your beloved trees.

Two-Lined Chestnut Borer

In mid-July, you will start to see if your oak trees have been ganged-up on by two-lined chestnut borers.   Signs to check for would include dead or leafless branches towards the top of the tree, or branches towards the middle having red/brown wilted looking leaves. Generally, if you see branches on the tree with red/brown looking leaves in the summer months, you may want to check if you have an infestation of two-lined chestnut borers.

This is just the beginning of the list of pests that you need to be on the look-out for in your yard.  Stay tuned for more Bug Education editions to keep your trees from becoming prey to these tiny little destructive creatures.