The urban environment can be stressful for trees, some varieties being more susceptible than others. Once weakened by stress, trees are more likely to succumb to disease and insect damage. Below are listed some of the more common pests in our area with links to Fact Sheets (and pictures) on the UMass Extension Green Info website. For a more complete listing, click here.
DISEASES:
Cedar-Apple Rust Fruiting Structure on Juniper in Spring
Asian Longhorned Beetle
For more information about diagnosing tree health problems and how to recognize the signs of some of the more common diseases and insects, see the Trees Are Good website of the International Society of Arboriculture: .
Some of the most damaging “pests” come in the form of lawn-mowers and string-trimmers which can inflict serious wounds on trunks and surface roots. Maintaining a 2-to 3-inch depth of mulch within about 3 ft or more of the trunk will prevent most of this damage. Place the mulch beyond the flare of the trunk, so that it does not touch the tree’s bark. It should not be mounded up around the trunk. Click here for more information about growing trees in turf.
