Pests & Insects Archives - LAM Tree Service

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

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.

Aspens Turning Orange? It’s Cytospora Canker

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 Suck Plants Dry

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: Oystershell, Pine Needle & Striped Pine Scale

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.

How to Prevent Insect & Disease Problems on Trees & Shrubs

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 Cause Sticky Leaves & Black Patches

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 Beetle – A Killer of Pine and Spruce Trees

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.

Dwarf Mistletoe – The Facts

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.

Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid

Cooley spruce galls are common in Colorado and are often seen on blue spruce. The galls are caused by the Cooley spruce gall adelgid (or wooly aphid). But while they may look alarming, Cooley spruce galls usually do little or no damage to the tree.

Mountain Pine Beetles

Periodic outbreaks of mountain pine beetles can destroy millions of trees in Colorado and other states. They develop primarily in pines and can spread rapidly. Here’s what you need to know about treatment and how to help stop the spread of mountain pine beetles.