SPRING OF 2025 is pretty similar to spring of 2024 regarding pests and problems for trees and shrubs in our area.

MAGNOLIA SCALE has had a major increase last year and has continued this year.  Almost every magnolia tree we have checked is infested.  Fortunately we have some very effective ways to deal with this pest.  It is both a nuisance with the honey dew drippage and sooty mold, but also can kill branches and in some cases, the whole tree.  Visit our page on this problem to learn more.

CRABAPPLE SCAB has seen a major uptick, with many trees that have not had this leaf disease presenting with damaged leaves and defoliation this spring.  Once it has presented, it is too late to control it this year, but a fall injection or spring sprays next year would be helpful.  See our page for management strategies.  If your crab is small and you would like to try to spray it yourself next spring., visit our homeowner tree care page.

JAPANESE BEETLES have emerged at the usual time this year (early July) and are skeletonizing leaves on lindens, birches, roses, and other trees and shrubs.  They can be stopped quickly with a soil injected product.  We do not recommend spraying for them.  Also, the Japanese beetle traps are not necessarily a good option.  See our page on this pest.  

PINE SAWFLY LARVAE have stripped the older foliage on some mugho pines and scots pines in landscapes.  We have not seen them for a few years, but they are back.  They are active in the early spring and can be prevented with a fall soil injection or treated with a spring soil injection.  

BOXWOOD PSYLLIDS have seemed more common and severe this year and may warrant treatment with systemic insecticides.  Sprays of insecticides are not recommended because they may harm beneficial insects.