Cicadas and your trees: 10 things to know from a leading SavATree expert
A historic emergence of cicadas has arrived in our area. These harmless but noisy insects live most of their lives underground and then emerge once the soil reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit. They will be active for about four to six weeks.
Here are 10 things to know about the emergence and what it means for your trees and shrubs from SavATree’s plant health care director, Patrick Parker. Parker is an International Society of Arboriculture board certified Master Arborist with over 35 years of experience diagnosing and treating hundreds of tree and shrub conditions.
- This emergence is historic. This is the first time in 221 years that two specific broods will emerge together.
- There will be a lot. In some areas, billions of cicadas per square mile are expected.
- They do not feed on trees and shrubs, so treatments are generally ineffective and unnecessary.
- Cicadas use trees and shrubs to lay eggs. The females use their ovipositor to cut a series of slits small branches - usually pencil sized in diameter - into and lay their eggs in these slits.
- They may cause flagging. When multiple females lay their eggs in one branch, the branch tip can be killed or can break and hang from the tree, which is known as “flagging.” Flagging damage is mostly aesthetic but can be damaging to young, newly planted trees.
- There’s not much you can do to protect young trees. You can try to protect susceptible trees by covering them with cheesecloth or fine mesh netting to prevent females from accessing small branches. However, this method may be only marginally effective as cicadas can find their way into or lay eggs through the netting.
- You can help affected trees recover. SavATree recommends pruning the damage once the cicadas are done laying eggs and fertilizing any affected trees in the fall to aid in recovery.
- They don’t harm humans. Cicadas are very noisy, but they do not bite or sting.
- There are two broods belonging to two different species. Brood XIII has a 17-year life cycle and Brood XIX has a 13-year life cycle.
Brood XIX is expected to emerge in parts of western Tennessee, northern Georgia, and central North Carolina. Brood XIII is expected to emerge in parts of southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
- The broods are expected to overlap somewhere in Illinois, but otherwise will emerge in different states.
For information about insects or conditions you have noticed on your property, call SavATree’s Northbrook office at (847) 729-1963.
About SavATree
SavATree is a leading provider of comprehensive tree, shrub, and lawn care services, dedicated to enhancing the health and beauty of landscapes across the nation. By integrating cutting-edge science, advanced technology and local expertise, SavATree delivers tailored solutions that address every aspect of plant, tree and lawn health—from roots to canopy.
With over 45 years of experience, SavATree boasts a nationwide team of industry-certified arborists and highly trained field specialists committed to excellence in environmental stewardship and customer satisfaction. Whether for residential or commercial properties, SavATree is the trusted partner for all tree and greenery needs.
Learn more about SavATree\'s services and expertise at www.savatree.com.
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