Lately you may have come across some odd, colorful bugs on your trees. It is natural to be concerned over unseen damage or to question if an infestation would be the end of them.
Then read on. We are here for that. Willow Tree and Landscaping Service has been in the Greater Philadelphia area since 1983; our ISA-certified arborists are no strangers to the spotted lanternfly. For questions on how to put your property at ease, pick up the phone and call (267) 653-6382.
In Pennsylvania and New Jersey the spotted lanternfly is something of a pest everyone is talking about. Yet what do you know of it? We put together some facts that will put things in perspective for you, not least of which is what this insect portends for the health of your trees.
Not a Fly
The name notwithstanding, a fly it is not. The spotted lanternfly is a planthopper. Wings it has, but they do not make for a powerful flier. You will find it more inclined to put in a few short hops and jumps, and in doing so it will often make use of a car or trailer or some piece of outdoor equipment to get where it is going. That accounts for its rapid spread into new territory.
A Long Journey
Originating in such places as China and Vietnam, the spotted lanternfly was first encountered in the U.S. in 2014 in southeastern Pennsylvania. From there it has made its way through the region, the Bucks, Montgomery, Mercer and Hunterdon County areas among them.
A Life Cycle with a Few Surprises
As the spotted lanternfly matures it is unrecognizable from one stage to the next. Over the course of a season you could see the same pest in several guises:
- Egg masses on the bark of a tree or on stone and other surfaces, resembling dried mud
- Black young nymphs with white spots
- A bright red color with black and white for the older nymphs
- The adult, with gray forewings and underwings of a vivid red
So many fail to make the connection between what they are seeing.
It Has a Preference
The tree of heaven is a particular favorite of the spotted lanternfly. An invasive plant in its own right that pre-dates the lanternfly’s arrival in the United States, the two have a common history in their native range. But do not think your trees are off the hook if you do not have one of those on your grounds.
Plenty of Plants Are on the Menu
Here the matter becomes less amusing. The spotted lanternfly will take sap from all manner of trees and plants. Those in the crosshairs include:
- Maple, walnut and willow
- Grapevines
- Apple and cherry and other fruit trees
Put a lot of lanternflies on a tree and it will be left to cope with other stresses in a weakened state.
And a Sticky Aftermath
Honeydew is the sugary excretion of the feeding lanternfly. On top of it a sooty, black mold will grow and put a coating on the leaves and bark of the tree, your patio and whatever else is below. This can rob the leaves of sunlight and compromise the tree. Should you see a blackened or shiny film on your outdoor furniture or trees, you can chalk it up to the lanternfly.
How Your Trees Fare
An infestation of any size will put stress on a tree over time, a younger or already frail specimen in particular. A healthy tree that has been well looked after is in a better position to handle it.
There is no reason to leave it to chance. Our degreed horticulturist puts together a care plan to suit your needs, and we see to it that every job is done with a thorough cleanup. Our arborists will put in an appearance at your property to evaluate what is at risk and suggest treatments to fortify your trees.
We provide landscaping, lawn care and plant health care in addition to our tree services in Bucks, Montgomery, Mercer and Hunterdon Counties. Tens of thousands of customers have relied on us since 1983 and we can arrange financing for the larger jobs.
Do not put off getting in touch if the spotted lanternfly is giving you pause. Give us a ring at (267) 653-6382 for a free estimate. Monday to Friday from 8am until 5pm we are on hand to do what we can for the trees you have put down roots with.