One of the most interesting things about tree care is how weather patterns work in conjunction with insect populations and disease cycles to make each year unique from prior years. The year 2024 was a year of stark contrasts. We lurched from a spring drenched in near-record rainfall to a parched summer that morphed into a persistent drought. This moisture deficit, dating back to last summer, coupled with a cold, dry winter, has placed significant stress on our beloved trees and shrubs. So, the question is, how will weather and other cyclical insect/disease patterns affect trees and shrubs this year?
Fungal Frenzy Continues: Expect to see a resurgence of fungal diseases. The year 2024 witnessed an unprecedented surge in leaf-affecting fungi, particularly on crab apples and hawthorns. Watch for dark or yellow spots, leaf curling, drying, and premature leaf drop. Fungal spores, overwintering on fallen leaves, will be spread by rain and wind, likely bringing back heavy infestations of apple scab and hawthorn rust. Preemptive foliar sprays are crucial for control. Pruning to enhance sunlight and airflow, especially removing interior branches like water sprouts, can also hinder fungal spread. Evergreens like Colorado Blue Spruce and Austrian Pine aren't immune; needle sprays and pruning are recommended.
Drought's Lingering Impact: The drought's effects are far-reaching. Damaged, weakened root systems and stunted growth may plague trees and shrubs in 2025. Young trees, with their limited root networks, are especially vulnerable. The lack of snow cover may have exposed roots to damaging cold, also increasing the risk of winter burn on evergreens. Arborvitae, boxwoods, and yews are prone to drying out, especially in late winter and early spring, making recovery challenging. Robust tree and shrub wellness practices are key. Proper watering, fertilization, and soil amendments can bolster plant vigor and foster healthy root systems.
Insects:
Many tree-damaging insects are opportunistic, preying upon weakened trees. This is certainly relevant in the midst of our drought. Trees such as paper birch are vulnerable to the bronze birch borer. White oak trees may see an uptick of the two-lined chestnut borer insect. Emerald ash borer insects are still present, eating and killing our remaining non-treated ash trees. Scale insects on magnolia trees will most likely be present in large numbers again (similar to 2024).
Embracing Organic Options: We continue to expand our Organic Insect and Disease Program options using Certified Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) products. We also offer Tick and Mosquito Control repellent sprays that are all-natural without synthetic insecticides. Our goal is to provide different options that help all of our clients.
We're here to help! If you have any questions about your program proposal or would like to explore options, please contact our office at 414-257-2111 or your sales arborist directly. We can schedule a site visit to review your trees and answer any questions. We value your business and want to ensure your trees and shrubs flourish.
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