Trees and other vegetation are often susceptible to attack by pests. As it continues to get warm towards the end of the year, pests such as Japanese beetles and bagworms will begin to come after your cedar, pine and deciduous trees. Heavy infestations can result in your tree being defoliated in just a matter of days. Even worse, unchecked infestations can spread to your garden and damage your crops.

This piece will explore how to tell if you have an infestation, and the steps you can take to protect your outdoor space.

Signs that your tree is under attack

So you know that pest infestations are dangerous, but how can you tell if your tree is under attack? An ailing tree typically shows various symptoms that you can pick up early on. For example, you may notice that the leaves on your trees are turning yellow, curling or losing their shape.

During a sunny day, you may also notice that your tree doesn't offer nearly as much shade as it typically does. Most pests feed on leaves and twigs before they proceed to branches and tree trunks. Multiple holes in trees are also another sign of attack, along with deformed branches and dead twigs.

In addition to observing the plant itself, you should also know how some of these pests look like. For example, bagworms appear as sac-like cocoons hanging off your tree branches. They look harmless at first sight, but they eventually hatch into dangerous worms that can slowly devour your tree over time.

Another common pest is the Japanese beetle. These beetles have a copper-coloured outer body with a purple head. They're mostly found during warm weather preying on maple, oaks and rose bushes. Anytime you notice such pests on your tree, taking immediate action is necessary.

How to deal with an infestation

The best way to handle infestations is to take a proactive rather than a reactive approach. This means that you should plan ahead for periods where your trees are likely to come under attack by pests. Have a tree service company apply insecticides during pest infestation seasons.

If pests have already attacked your tree, a tree lopping service can also prune affected areas so the bugs don't spread to other parts of the plant. And in cases where your tree has been heavily attacked, tree lopping may be necessary. It's better to cut down an infested tree before the pests spread to other vegetation in and around your premises. Consult your tree lopper for the best course of action when dealing with an active infestation.

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