Last Year’s Lessons. This Year’s Protection. Insects, Mites & Diseases Seasonal Care Landscapes are in dormancy, and threats are only beginning to build. In 2025, insect and mite activity, fungal disease, and climate stress increased, and 2026 is expected to bring more of the same. 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: Boxwood trees: 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 your trees may appear at rest in colder climates, many insects are only dormant and ready to reemerge at the first signs of spring. Early detection and planning are critical. 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. Emerging Threats by Region 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 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.