If you’re a homeowner and take pride in maintaining a healthy and vibrant yard, protecting your trees during the warmer months should be at the top of your summer to-do list. Unfortunately, several harmful insects make an appearance every summer and target your greenery, causing potentially irreversible damage. In this blog, I’ll discuss the top tree pests of summer 2025, how to identify harmful tree pests, and ways you can protect your trees from summer pests. Understanding what your trees are up against can help you ensure their longevity and flourishing condition.
Why You Should Identify Harmful Tree Pests Early
Identifying harmful tree pests early is critical to the health of your yard. Summer introduces an environment ripe for insect activity as temperatures rise and create favourable breeding conditions. Many species of invasive insects thrive during this period, and these tiny invaders don’t just cause cosmetic damage – they can compromise the structural integrity of your trees and even lead to their premature death. Spotting infestations early helps prevent irreversible harm, reduces the spread to nearby greenery, and minimizes potential treatments that may become costly or time-consuming as the damage worsens.
One of the standout reasons for vigilance is that some harmful insects don’t exhibit immediate symptoms on the foliage or bark. For instance, emerald ash borers generally tunnel into the wood, leaving few visible signs at first glance. However, these subtle beginnings rapidly escalate, leaving the tree unable to transport water or nutrients effectively. Therefore, being proactive can make all the difference in preserving the vitality of your yard.
Top Tree Pests Summer 2025: What’s Currently Harming Trees?
The threats to trees vary with every passing year due to changing climates and species migration patterns, but several insects persistently emerge as the most harmful during the summer season. Summer 2025 is no different, and among the harmful invaders topping the list are emerald ash borers, gypsy moths, Asian long-horned beetles, maple gall mites, and pine beetles. Each of these insects brings its own methods of destruction, and their activity can leave long-lasting impacts.
Emerald Ash Borer
Understanding the dangers posed by the emerald ash borer is essential, especially for homeowners with older ash species in their yards. This invasive beetle has been wreaking havoc across Canada and North America, targeting ash varieties. The adults lay eggs on the bark, and once the larvae hatch, they bore into the inner layers of the tree. This disrupts its ability to transport water and nutrients, eventually killing the host.
Recognizing the signs of an emerald ash borer infestation can help you address the issue quickly. Look for tiny, D-shaped exit holes on the bark, thinning of leaves at the crown, and vertical splits in the bark. Another tell-tale sign includes increased woodpecker activity, as they are attracted to the larvae within.
While emerald ash borers are aggressive, preventive measures and targeted treatments can make a difference. Professional solutions include injecting insecticides directly into the tree’s vascular system or removing heavily infested specimens to avoid further spread. At Martin’s Tree Service, we’ve helped numerous homeowners protect their ash varieties from this destructive insect.
Japanese Beetle
Japanese beetles are another formidable challenge during the summer. They feed on the foliage, flowers, and even the fruits of several species, leaving behind skeletonized leaves that severely impact the tree’s overall health and aesthetic appeal. These beetles tend to appear in large numbers, making it difficult for homeowners to control them without expert intervention.
One of the first steps in managing this problem is spotting the adult beetles, which are distinctively metallic green with coppery-brown wing covers. Monitoring your trees for clusters of chewed leaves can also help identify their presence. Beyond the visible damage to foliage, Japanese beetle larvae (grubs) feed on grassroots, which affects the surrounding lawn as well.
Managing Japanese beetle infestations generally requires a well-thought-out plan. Options may include introducing natural predators like birds, applying specific biological treatments, or using pheromone traps strategically. At Martin’s Tree Service, we regularly assess such situations to create long-term solutions that cater to your yard’s unique needs while focusing on protecting the health and appearance of your property.
Gypsy Moth
Gypsy moths are a notorious summer threat to several oak species and many other hardwoods. Their caterpillars have voracious appetites and can defoliate entire sections of your yard. Repeated defoliation weakens their hosts, making them more vulnerable to disease and secondary infestation.
This issue typically starts when the larval caterpillars emerge in late spring and feed through early summer. Growth occurs quickly, and their presence is unmistakable due to their fuzzy bodies with distinctive blue and red spots. Signs of a gypsy moth problem include substantial leaf loss, silken threads draped over branches, and egg masses resembling tan spongy patches on trunks or nearby surfaces.
Effective mitigation could involve professional-grade treatments that halt caterpillar development, as well as destroying remaining egg masses to prevent future outbreaks. At Martin’s Tree Service, we approach gypsy moth control with care and precision, ensuring both effective management and minimal disruption to your yard.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that may not seem intimidating at first glance, but their numbers and feeding habits can quickly cause extensive damage. These insects feed on sap by piercing vascular tissues, ultimately causing leaves to curl, yellow, and drop prematurely. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mould on leaves and branches.
Aphids often go unnoticed until their population explodes, but early intervention can prevent their spread. Watch for indications such as distorted leaf shapes, sticky residue, and small clusters of insects under leaves. Some aphid species also cause the formation of galls, which can deform branches and disrupt overall symmetry.
While certain natural predators like ladybugs help reduce aphid populations, professional care remains one of the best methods for targeting infestations without harming neighbouring wildlife or beneficial insects. Our team at Martin’s Tree Service leverages both knowledge and experience to restore health to affected areas while preventing further colonization.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are another group capable of causing serious harm, although their initial appearance often goes unnoticed. These insects attach themselves to bark, needles, and leaves, forming protective shells that allow them to extract sap. Over time, this weakens the host and reduces its vigour, leaving it susceptible to secondary infections and dieback.
There are two main types of scale insects to look out for. Soft-scale insects produce honeydew, resulting in the same sooty mould issues seen with aphids. Hard-scale insects, on the other hand, lack the excretion of honeydew but still drain resources and contribute to tissue damage. Identifying these insects often requires close inspection or specialized equipment to detect their tiny, camouflaged bodies.
Eliminating scale insects typically involves horticultural oils or systemic treatments administered by professionals. These methods ensure the problem is resolved efficiently while minimizing risks to nearby flora and fauna. Many of the homeowners we’ve worked with at Martin’s Tree Service have praised the lasting improvements these treatments bring to a once-declining landscape.
How to Protect Trees from Summer Pests Effectively
Protecting trees from summer pests means more than waiting for apparent damages. From the moment spring begins warming your surroundings, ensure good mulching habits are added alongside soil nutrition routines (fertilizers). Fostering resilient root bases allows trees to defend themselves better over time.
Additionally:
- Prune the diseased or dead branches regularly.
- Apply horticultural oils as an early-stage deterrent.
- Remove fallen foliage where insects could breed further during late spring.
Making informed choices helps reinforce growth stages while minimizing conducive environments that attract invading insects.
The Key to Maintaining Healthy Summer Trees
Maintaining a lush, thriving yard year-round is no small task, but it’s one that pays off immensely. By staying informed about potential threats like invasive pests, taking proactive measures, and addressing problems early, you can better protect your outdoor space.
Your summer greenery deserves expert care. That’s where Martin’s Tree Service can step in. With years of experience and a team dedicated to keeping your yard flourishing, we’re here to help diagnose problems, intervene promptly, and protect your trees throughout every season.
If you’re worried about the health of your yard this summer, don’t wait until the damage is visible. Contact Martin’s Tree Service today to schedule your consultation. Together, let’s keep your trees standing tall, healthy, and vibrant.
Steve Martin
