Last Year’s Lessons. This Year’s Protection. Insects, Mites & Diseases Seasonal Care No matter where you live, your landscape never truly takes a season off. In northern climates, trees and shrubs may appear dormant, conserving energy beneath bare branches. In warmer regions, growth may continue slowly through the winter months. But above or below ground, plants are constantly responding to environmental pressures. Insect populations are shifting. Fungal pathogens are persisting, and climate stress, from drought to excessive rainfall, is compounding year after year. In 2025, arborists across the country observed elevated insect and mite activity, increased pressure from fungal diseases, and lingering stress from extreme weather patterns. As we move into 2026, those trends are expected to continue. Proactive monitoring and early intervention are no longer optional; they are essential components of responsible landscape stewardship. Emerging Threats by Region Because insect pressure and climate stress vary by geography, understanding what is happening in your specific region is key. While some threats continue their steady expansion across state lines, others are intensifying in localized areas. Here’s a regional snapshot of what SavATree arborists are watching most closely heading into 2026: West: Pine beetles, Emerald Ash Borer, drought stress, wildfire recovery Midwest / Great Lakes: Box Tree Moth, winter injury recovery Northeast / Mid-Atlantic: Spotted Lanternfly, Beech Leaf Disease, borers South / Coastal: Palmetto Weevil, Leaf Beetle, hurricane & storm stress What Our Arborists Are Monitoring by Tree Type While regional trends provide an important overview, tree vulnerability ultimately depends on species, site conditions, and overall plant health. Certain insects and diseases are highly host-specific, while others take advantage of trees already weakened by drought, compaction, or storm stress. Here’s what our local arborists are watching closely for each tree type: Ash trees: Emerald Ash Borer has reached Colorado and continues spreading nationwide, causing rapid decline and mortality. Pine trees: Pine beetles are damaging mountain and residential landscapes, leading to widespread pine loss. Boxwoods: Box Tree Moth is now firmly established in multiple Midwest states beyond Michigan. This aggressive defoliator is hitting boxwoods in residential gardens and commercial landscapes, often leading to complete leaf loss if not addressed early. Beech trees: Beech Leaf Disease is established in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Great Lakes, causing canopy loss and long-term decline. Lilacs: Lilac Leaf Spot is increasingly common in the Midwest, reducing plant health and ornamental value. Hardwoods: Spotted Lanternfly is still advancing westward and has proven remarkably easy to spread via vehicles, firewood, and materials moved between states, threatening over 100 plant species. Ornamental and shade trees: Fungal pathogens, including root rot and foliar blights, are thriving in the humidity and warmth, especially where poor drainage or compacted soil limits root health Palm trees: Palmetto Weevil, Florida’s primary palm insect, continues to impact both native and ornamental palms. While it’s a native species, it targets stressed palms, especially those affected by storm damage or drought, and can cause the rapid collapse of the crown. Storm-damaged or stressed trees: Storm-stressed trees continue to show delayed symptoms of decline, creating increased risk for failure and secondary insect invasion. Though trees may appear at rest in colder climates, many insects are simply dormant and ready to reemerge at the first signs of spring. In warmer regions, insects often remain active year-round, continuing to feed and reproduce even during the “off” season. Early, expert-guided care makes all the difference everywhere. SavATree arborists track regional threats to deliver tailored, proactive solutions that protect your landscape before issues emerge. SavATree arborists monitor insect and climate trends year-round to deliver timely, tailored care. The dormant season is the ideal time to prepare trees for the year ahead. Get ahead of 2026’s challenges. Schedule your proactive care visit today. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.