Teg Blog & News

Trees and shrubs are the backbone of many landscapes, offering shade, beauty, and structure. However, in Fresno, a variety of pests can threaten their health. Understanding the common pests and knowing how to combat them is essential for maintaining a vibrant garden.

Common Tree and Shrub Pests

• Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects are notorious for infesting trees and shrubs. They reproduce rapidly, leading to significant damage in a short period. Aphids excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold and further weakens your plants.
• Scale Insects: Scale insects attach themselves to branches and leaves, where they feed on sap. Their hard, protective shells make them difficult to control. Infestations can cause yellowing, leaf drop, and even branch dieback.
• Mites: Spider mites are particularly problematic during hot, dry weather. They create fine webbing and cause stippling on leaves, which eventually leads to a decline in plant health. Severe infestations may result in premature leaf drop.
• Whiteflies: Often found on the undersides of leaves, whiteflies can cause significant stress to trees and shrubs by feeding on sap. Their presence can result in yellowing leaves and reduced plant vigor.
• Borers: Certain types of borers target trees by boring into the wood. These pests can cause structural damage and weaken the overall health of the tree, making it more susceptible to diseases.

Preventive and Control Strategies

Regular Monitoring

The key to managing pests is early detection. Regularly inspect your trees and shrubs for signs of infestation, such as discoloration, sticky residue, or webbing. Early intervention is critical to preventing the spread of pests.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Adopting an IPM approach involves combining cultural practices, organic treatments, and chemical interventions only when necessary. This balanced method not only helps control pests but also supports long-term tree and shrub health by reducing chemical dependency.

Seasonal Strategies

Pest pressure can vary with the seasons:

• Spring: New growth is vulnerable. Begin preventive treatments and regular monitoring to catch infestations early.
• Summer: High temperatures can boost pest populations, particularly mites and whiteflies. Increase inspection frequency and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Fall: As the weather cools, pests may seek shelter on your plants. Continue monitoring and treat infestations before winter.
• Winter: Although pest activity typically slows down, sheltered or milder areas may still experience infestations.

Professional Help

Sometimes, the complexity of an infestation calls for expert intervention. Professional pest control services in Fresno can conduct thorough inspections, apply targeted treatments, and offer advice on long-term pest management strategies. The pros at The Experienced Gardener bring specialized knowledge and tools to ensure that your trees and shrubs remain healthy.

Managing pests on trees and shrubs in Fresno requires vigilance, a combination of preventive practices, and timely treatments. From aphids and scale insects to mites, whiteflies, and borers, understanding each pest’s behavior is essential for effective control. With regular monitoring, cultural maintenance, and integrated pest management, you can protect your landscape and ensure that your trees and shrubs remain robust and beautiful throughout the year.