Press Releases

The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is a destructive, invasive insect that attacks North American hemlocks primarily in the eastern United States. These pests are tiny, often less than 2mm long, but are easily identifiable by the white, cottony masses they form at the base of hemlock tree needles. Without intervention, HWAs can cause tree decline, with tree death typically occurring within 4-10 years. Because a hemlock woolly adelgid infestation can spread quickly and devastate entire ...

Photo by ISA Certified Arborist Jessica Cunha, Rockville, MD Leaf miners are not a single insect but rather a group of invasive species that share a common behavior: their larvae tunnel inside leaves. As they feed, they can weaken your plants and leave unsightly damage across your landscape. If left untreated, leaf miners can impact a wide range of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Different leaf miner species tend to prefer certain plants, so infestations ...

Ganoderma zonatum is a soil-borne fungal pathogen that causes internal decay in palm trees, eventually leading to death. This disease specifically attacks the lower trunk ("butt") of palms, degrading lignin and cellulose in the internal tissue and compromising structural integrity.  Key Facts:  There is no cure once infection occurs  Early detection is critical to protect nearby palms  Professional diagnosis can distinguish Ganoderma from other palm diseases  SavATree's expert arborists can identify early symptoms and ...

Tree bark plays a vital role in protecting your trees from environmental threats and supporting their health. So when you notice bark coming off a tree in your yard, it’s natural to wonder if something’s wrong. While bark loss is sometimes part of a tree’s natural life cycle, it can also signal underlying stress, disease, or damage. This guide will help you determine whether bark shedding is normal—or if your tree ...

If you’ve noticed black spots on tree leaves in your yard, you’re not alone. Leaf spot diseases are among the most common—and frustrating—foliar issues facing homeowners and property managers. While some leaf spots are mostly cosmetic, others can weaken your trees, increase their vulnerability to insects and diseases, and, over time, cause significant stress and decline. Understanding what causes these spots, how to recognize the warning signs, and how to prevent ...

A rotting tree may not always look sick on the outside—but internal decay can make it unstable, hazardous, and vulnerable to failure. Whether you're managing a residential landscape or overseeing a commercial property, detecting tree rot early is essential to protecting your investment and ensuring the safety of your surroundings. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common signs of tree decay, how to prevent it, and when to call ...

Photo Credit: William Jacobi, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org Apple scab is a destructive fungal disease affecting apple trees and related species, causing leaf and fruit damage that compromises tree health and harvests.  While early symptoms may appear cosmetic, untreated infections lead to reduced vigor, premature leaf drop, and unmarketable fruit.   SavATree's science-backed tree disease treatments can help address existing infections and prevent future outbreaks.  Signs of an Apple Scab Infection Detecting apple scab ...

The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a destructive invasive beetle that has killed millions of ash trees across North America. These metallic-green insects lay eggs on ash trees, and their larvae burrow beneath the bark, disrupting nutrient flow throughout the tree. EAB infestations spread rapidly, and without proper treatment, infected ash trees can die within 3-5 years of infestation.   While EAB was first detected in Michigan in 2002, it has since spread to 36 states ...

Photo Credit: Moni Hayne DSCF6820 Cottony maple scale on locust Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to branches, twigs, and foliage, feeding on sap and frustrating property owners everywhere.  These tiny insects come in two main varieties:   Hard (armored) scales have protective covers that are not fused to their body and don't produce honeydew.  Soft scale insects secrete a waxy coating and produce copious amounts of sticky honeydew that attracts ants ...

If you’ve noticed small, pinecone-like sacs clinging to your trees, you might be dealing with bagworms—an insect that can silently strip your landscape of its beauty. In fact, one female bagworm can lay up to 1,000 eggs, making early detection and proper treatment essential for protecting your trees. Bagworms (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) infestations are reported on everything from junipers to oaks. Left unchecked, they can defoliate trees, weaken their structure, and make them ...

Beech Leaf Disease (BLD)—first identified in 2012—has become one of the most urgent threats to American beech trees across the Northeast and Midwest. The disease leads to leaf distortion, canopy loss, and tree death in both young and mature beech trees.    Research into BLD causes, treatments, and presentation is ongoing. With no known cure, early intervention is the only way to slow disease progression, protect high-value trees, and prevent spread to healthy beeches ...

Spider mites are invasive pests and members of the arachnid family, with two types commonly found on properties—the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and the spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis). Both can cause significant damage to a wide range of plants and trees. Signs of a Spider Mite Infestation Spider mites are nearly microscopic and can be difficult to spot, but recognizing the signs of an infestation can help you identify them. Common signs ...

Fungal diseases pose a serious threat to the health and beauty of your landscape. Anthracnose, apple scab, powdery mildew, and other fungal pathogens can weaken trees, cause premature leaf drop, and even lead to long-term decline if left untreated. At SavATree, our ISA Certified Arborists provide targeted fungal disease treatments to help your trees and shrubs remain healthy and vibrant for as long as possible. Signs of Common Tree Fungal Diseases Detecting fungal diseases early ...

Photo Credit: Steven Katovich, Bugwood.org Adelgids are small insects 1-3mm in length that exclusively attack coniferous trees and shrubs. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts, which they use to extract sap from trees. Unlike many other insects, adelgids remain stationary for most of their lifecycle, developing protective white, cottony coatings. Though some adelgid infestations may initially appear as little more than an unsightly nuisance, several species can cause the decline or death of your valuable conifers ...

Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that reproduce rapidly during warmer months.  Although these insects rarely cause severe damage, they create a sticky substance called honeydew through their feeding that attracts other insects and can lead to unsightly black, sooty mold.   Due to the aphid’s rapid reproduction cycle, early detection and treatment are crucial for mitigating the impact they can have on your trees.  SavATree’s targeted treatments are designed to control aphid populations and ...

The South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum) is one of the most serious threats to palm trees in California. These invasive beetles can irreparably damage a healthy palm in just a matter of months.   How? Palm weevils and their larvae destroy the growing tissue within palms, leading to decline and eventual death without proper intervention.   Taking a proactive approach to managing these pests is key. Palm trees can be a considerable monetary investment (often upwards ...

Dutch elm disease (DED) is a serious fungal infection first identified in the Netherlands, which has since killed millions of elm trees across the United States. It remains a serious threat to these stately trees, which enhance parks, line city streets, and beautify properties like yours. Proactive elm tree care is essential in protecting your trees from this devastating condition. If Dutch elm disease is detected early and is not widespread in the tree, there ...

Box tree moths (Cydalima perspectalis) are an invasive species that pose a significant threat to boxwood plants, which are popular in ornamental gardens, hedges, and natural habitats. If left untreated, these pests can cause extensive damage, leading to defoliation, weakening, and even the death of your boxwoods.  What are box tree moths?  Box tree moths are notorious for their ability to rapidly multiply and cause harm to boxwoods. With a life cycle that can repeat ...

SavATree preventive and curative treatments will help you manage this crisis The emerald ash borer (EAB) was first discovered in the U.S. in the summer of 2002 in southeast Michigan. The EAB has since killed tens of millions of trees in the United States and so far has established itself in 26 states. Signs of EAB Infestation Excessive sprouting from base of tree Thinning crown Canopy dieback Tiny D-shaped holes in the bark Bark ...

Protect Your Lawn from Mites Lawn mites love Colorado’s dry climate—but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with them. What to Look For Areas of your lawn damaged by mites will appear brown and straw-like. However, these areas won’t be visible until your lawn begins to turn green during the spring, and by then most of the damage has been done. There are several things you can do to ...