Why Do So Many Trees Look Like This Right Now? We Have the Answer– and It’s Cicadas
Have you noticed trees with clusters of brown leaves? This is known as branch flagging, and it’s happening to a lot of trees in our area right now.
Why is this happening? The Brood X cicadas were out and about in our area recently. When the female cicadas laid their eggs, they cut small slits into tree branches and deposited their eggs inside these slits. The branches that have eggs inside have started to wilt and their leaves have turned brown.
Only the branches that have eggs in them have been affected– they will eventually fall off, leaving healthy branches behind and the rest of the tree unharmed. Trees that are very young or delicate might not survive after this, but most trees will be fine.
Branch flagging can sometimes be caused by other pests such as scales, fungus, or other insects. In these instances, an increasing number of branches will start to show signs of flagging, and treatment may be required in order to keep the tree healthy. However, if the flagging is caused by cicadas no treatment for the tree is needed.
By: Michelle Katz @pike.and.rozay
