If you have been tending to your lawn, garden, or trees in the last few weeks, you might have already encountered a fair share of insects. One pest that Maryland residents are especially wary of are those pesky cicadas. Although annual cicadas are common in the state, Magicicada periodical cicadas are the extremely–invasive species that breed and populate every 13 or 17 years. We’re expecting to see these cicadas emerge next year, and Marylanders have already started to find larvae and wings while taking care of their landscape and trees this year. Here’s a guide to help you deal with these cicadas and how to keep your property’s trees safe from these pesky bugs.
How Cicadas Affect Your Trees
Cicadas are one insect that doesn’t inhabit trees for feeding. Instead, it’s the tree’s roots and branches that they prefer. Both annual and periodical cicadas create slits or holes in the tree branches so they can lay eggs. These slits hurt your tree, and instead of slowly healing over time, they will weaken the branches, causing them to wither up, break off, or die as time passes.
Prevalent Tree Species for Cicadas
Adult cicadas prefer to nest and lay their eggs in tree branches that are one forth and one half in diameter. Hence, trees with bigger branches are usually not typically inhabited by these pests. Tree species in Maryland that have preferably-sized branches for cicadas to lay eggs in are:
– Oak trees
– Maple Trees
– Hawthorn Trees
– Pear Trees
– Redbud Trees
You might come across them in younger trees of other species, as the growing tree branches are in the earliest stages of growth and provide optimal branch size for the cicadas to nest.
Keeping Cicadas Away from Your Trees
Older trees might be successful in healing from minor cicada damage, so it is the younger trees you have to look out for the most. Tree pruning is an excellent way to reduce the risk of any long-lasting damage. A professional tree care service or arborist can remove any affected branches within six to ten weeks of cicadas laying their eggs and remove the critters before they are hatched and make their way to your tree’s roots to feed.
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh, and Middle River. For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.