If you are having defoliation issues with the trees on your property, then there's a chance that these issues are due to caterpillar damage. The following are the three most common caterpillars to help you identify what is causing the defoliation of your trees:
- Eastern Tent Caterpillar - Found in early spring, these caterpillars are typically found in the crotch of branches and not in the enclosing foliage. They tend to feed on cherry trees, apple trees, hawthorn trees, peach trees and plum trees - but the damage is usually just in the appearance of your trees.
- Gypsy Moth - Found from mid-spring to early summer, they feed near the tree tops at night. Later instars feed constantly. They tend to feed on hardwood trees, such as aspens and oaks, and will completely defoliate them.
- Fall Webworm - Found from late summer to fall at the ends of branches by enclosing foliage, these caterpillars feed on more than 100 types of hardwood trees. However, the damage they do is also typically just to the appearance of your trees..
Gypsy moths are the caterpillars you should worry most about since they do real damage to your trees. For advice on dealing with caterpillars and information on our tree care services in Kansas City, contact Cartwright Tree Care.
Image Source: ©iStockphoto.com/Debra Rade