Pests to Watch For

Several insect species can cause significant damage to local trees. Vigilance is key to stopping an infestation before it gets out of control.

• Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects reproduce rapidly. Large infestations can lead to yellowing, curled leaves, stunted growth, and a sticky substance called honeydew.
• Borers: Several types of borers, including the ash borer, are active in our region. Their larvae tunnel into the vital vascular tissue just beneath the bark, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, which can be fatal.
• Cottony Maple Scale: Particularly common on Autumn Blaze maples, these pests create white, cotton-like egg sacs on branches. They feed on sap, and severe infestations can kill twigs, branches, and eventually the entire tree.
• Spider Mites: These tiny pests are difficult to see but leave behind tell-tale signs like fine webbing and spotted leaves. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant foliage damage.

If you notice signs of these pests, our professional pest control services can provide targeted, eco-friendly treatments to protect your trees.

Prevalent Local Diseases

Idaho’s climate, with its warm summers and wet springs, can create ideal conditions for fungal and bacterial diseases to flourish.

• Fire Blight: This destructive bacterial disease gives branches a scorched or burnt appearance and can spread quickly, especially among fruit trees like apples and pears.
• Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes dark, sunken spots on leaves, anthracnose can lead to premature leaf drop and branch dieback in severe cases.
• Chlorosis: Often a symptom of nutrient deficiency, particularly iron, chlorosis is characterized by yellowing leaves with green veins. It indicates the tree is unable to produce enough chlorophyll to sustain itself. Our deep root fertilization can directly address this issue.
• Powdery Mildew: This common fungus appears as white, fuzzy blotches on leaves, inhibiting photosynthesis and weakening the tree over time, making it more vulnerable to other problems.

Deep Root Feeding: Nourishment from the Ground Up

Urban and suburban soils are often compacted and lack the rich organic matter found in a natural forest setting. This makes it difficult for trees to access the nutrients they need. Deep root fertilization is a process where we use specialized equipment to inject a liquid blend of essential nutrients directly into the tree’s root zone.

• Promotes Strong Roots: Strengthens the root system, the foundation of a healthy tree.
• Enhances Vigor: Improves leaf color, flower production, and overall vitality.
• Increases Resistance: Boosts the tree’s natural defenses against drought, pests, and diseases.
• Reduces Soil Compaction: The injection process helps aerate the soil, improving water and oxygen uptake.

The best times for deep root feeding in Idaho are in the spring, to fuel new growth, and in the fall, to help trees recover from summer stress and store energy for winter.

Dormant Oil Treatments: A Protective Shield

One of the most effective ways to manage overwintering insects like aphids, scale, and mites is with a dormant oil application. This treatment is applied in late winter or early spring before the buds break. The horticultural oil coats and suffocates eggs and insects that have sheltered on the bark through the winter, significantly reducing pest populations before they have a chance to hatch and cause damage in the spring. Timing is critical; it must be applied when temperatures are above 40°F but before new growth emerges to avoid harming the tree.

• A mature tree can increase a property’s value by as much as 15%.
• A tree’s root system can spread out two to three times as wide as its branches.
• Trees growing in urban landscapes have a much shorter lifespan on average than their forest counterparts due to environmental stressors like compacted soil and pollution.
• Properly placed trees can reduce home cooling costs by up to 30% in the summer.