Pests & Insects Archives - LAM Tree Service

squirrel on a snow-covered tree near evergreen colorado

Voles, gophers, rabbits, and squirrels can damage or even kill trees during the winter. See our recommendations for how to keep your trees safe from rodent damage this winter.

Although Colorado’s aspen trees are beautiful, they’re also prone to a host of aspen tree problems. Thankfully, most are preventable or treatable – especially if you address the #1 issue nearly all aspens in our area face.

Have you ever wondered why weeds, bugs, and plant diseases seem to appear earlier some years but much later other years? Unlike holidays and birthdays, the emergence of weeds and insect populations isn’t determined by a date on your calendar. Instead, timing is based on a combination of factors, with spring weather conditions being the most important.

Cytospora canker causes dead or dying areas on tree bark. In aspens, this area turns orange. The cankers kill tree branches (you’ll often see this in spruce) and, in severe cases, will kill the whole tree. There’s no cure so prevention is critical.

Spider mites are common and destructive pests in Colorado yards, including on trees of all kinds. Learn how to identify these tiny arachnids and control them before they kill your plants.

Scale insects can be extremely damaging to trees and shrubs in the Evergreen, CO region, causing leaf/needle discoloration, defoliation, stunted growth, limb dieback, vulnerability to other pests and diseases, and even plant death. Here’s how to identify scale insects, as well as treatment options and timing.

Getting an early start on dealing with insect and disease issues can make all the difference between a beautiful, healthy landscape and one that’s plagued by problems all season. By focusing on prevention, rather than reacting to disease and pest infestation when it happens, you save money that may be spent on unnecessary pesticides and get to enjoy a more attractive environment.

Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from plant leaves, twigs and stems. They excrete a sticky substance called honeydew (often mistaken for sap “bleeding” from the tree) that can develop sooty mold (a black coating on leaves and surfaces). Treatment and prevention are possible. Read more for the details.

Ips beetles are a frequent problem in Colorado, including here in the Denver foothills where they can kill whole forests in a single season. They’re especially problematic during periods of prolonged drought.

This common parasitic plant makes its home on pine trees. It’s a weed! We can prune it out of your trees or spray to keep it from spreading. Every situation is different, so let a Certified Arborist help you mitigate Dwarf Mistletoe problems.

Pests & Insects

How to Prevent Winter Rodent Damage to Your Trees

Aspen Trees: Common Problems & What To Do

How Spring Weather Affects Treatment Timing For Weeds, Insect Pests & Tree Diseases

Aspens Turning Orange? It’s Cytospora Canker

Spider Mites Suck Plants Dry

Scale Insects: Oystershell, Pine Needle & Striped Pine Scale

How to Prevent Insect & Disease Problems on Trees & Shrubs

Aphids Cause Sticky Leaves & Black Patches

Ips Beetle – A Killer of Pine and Spruce Trees

Dwarf Mistletoe – The Facts