Is there an odd gray discoloration on your tree trunks? Have wasps and ants made a sudden appearance in the yard without explanation? You may also find a sticky residue on the leaves of your maple or on your deck and patio furniture.
Such things can be indicative of the spotted lanternfly, and you are by no means the only one to have encountered it. Since 1983 we at Willow Tree and Landscaping Service have put our experience to work for tens of thousands of homeowners and commercial clients in Greater Philadelphia to safeguard their trees. An infestation is suspected? Put in a call to (267) 653-6382 and talk with an ISA-certified arborist from our staff.
This invasive pest has made its way into Bucks, Montgomery, Mercer and Hunterdon Counties. One insect will not bring down a mature tree but as their numbers build they can do considerable damage to your landscape and leave your outdoor areas in a sticky state. They do, however, give themselves away if you know where to look.
The Appearance of the Spotted Lanternfly
It is not easy to put a name to the spotted lanternfly given how it alters its look over the course of a year. Familiarity with the various stages is the best way to put a stop to trouble.
In the changing seasons you should be on the lookout for:
- Egg masses of a gray or tan mud-like substance on stone, bark and other surfaces during fall and winter
- Black nymphs with white spots in spring
- Those same nymphs in early summer, now red with black and white
- The adult in late summer and fall, sporting gray forewings with black spots and underwings of a vivid red that show when the wings are spread
An inch in length, the adults are more inclined to hop than fly. A cluster of them on a tree trunk tells you all you need to know about what is being used for a feeding ground.
Indications of Infestation on Your Trees
You may not come face to face with the insects, up in the canopy anyway. But the signs the spotted lanternfly puts in place are hard to overlook.
Telltale warning signs include:
- A shiny film of honeydew on the leaves and branches and on everything below
- Sooty mold of a black color that makes itself at home on the honeydew and can get on your trunks, plants and patios
- Oozing sap from weeping wounds on the trunk
- Bees, hornets, wasps and ants in swarms after the sweetness of the honeydew
- Wilting or dieback in the canopy, a sign of a tree under stress
- Gray egg masses resembling mud on fence posts or lawn furniture
They will feed on maples, walnuts, willows and fruit trees in addition to their preference for the invasive tree of heaven. By making holes in the bark to get at the sap they slowly rob the tree of its energy.
The Importance of Detecting the Problem Early
There is more to a heavy infestation than mere irritation. It weakens trees and opens them up to disease; younger or already compromised specimens are in danger. The sooty mold and honeydew are bad for the health and appearance of what is growing underneath.
All too often a homeowner is unaware of the issue until the mold and honeydew have run rampant. An early response is the key to having your trees make a full recovery and remain robust.
That is the value of a professional. Our degreed horticulturist will put together a plant health care program to insulate your landscape from pest pressure, while our ISA-certified arborists can evaluate the situation and advise on a course of action.
We Can Help You Put Your Trees in Good Hands
For both commercial and residential properties in Greater Philadelphia and the counties around it, Willow Tree and Landscaping Service has been providing tree and lawn care, landscaping and plant health services since 1983. We offer financing, free estimates and leave no trace of our work when we are done. Neighbors with the same pest issues can be pointed in our direction through our referral program.
Should you have seen the telltale signs of the spotted lanternfly, there is no point in letting the damage get worse. Our spotted lanternfly treatment can protect your trees before the situation worsens. Give us a ring at (267) 653-6382 for a no cost estimate. From 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday we are here to see that the trees and landscape you have put in the time to cultivate are well protected.