Cicada Tree Damage: Prevention Methods & Tips Explained

Posted on May 10th, 2024.

In arboriculture, the recurring emergence of cicadas poses a significant threat to tree health, occurring once every 17 years. These cyclical events bring forth a cascade of challenges, as cicadas, dormant for up to 17 years, resurface with the singular purpose of propagating their species. Their egg-laying behavior, characterized by incisions in branches and twigs, targets deciduous trees, weakening their structures and compromising vitality. 

Subsequent nymph feeding on tree roots further amplifies the damage, impeding the tree's ability to absorb crucial nutrients and water. As stewards of our natural environment, understanding cicada damage mechanisms and implementing proactive measures is key. This blog post delves into the intricacies of cicada damage, emphasizing the significance of prevention and offering practical strategies to safeguard trees against cicada infestations.

Understanding Cicadas

Cicadas, intriguing insects with a remarkable life cycle, play a significant role in forest ecosystems. Their cyclical emergence every 17 years, marked by a cacophony of buzzing calls and mass flights, captivates observers and researchers alike. Understanding the biology and behavior of cicadas is essential for comprehending their impact on trees and ecosystems.

• Life Cycle: Cicadas undergo a remarkable metamorphosis, transitioning from underground nymphs to winged adults. Their journey begins when female cicadas deposit eggs in tree branches, using specialized ovipositors to create incisions for egg-laying. Upon hatching, nymphs drop to the soil, where they feed on tree roots for several years before emerging as adults.
• Emergence: The synchronized emergence of cicadas, triggered by environmental cues such as soil temperature and moisture, is a spectacle to behold. Adult cicadas ascend to the treetops, where males produce their characteristic mating calls to attract females. Following mating, females lay eggs on host trees, perpetuating the cycle.
• Geographic Distribution: Cicadas exhibit a global distribution, with different species inhabiting diverse regions and ecosystems. In North America, periodical cicadas, such as those belonging to the genus Magicicada, emerge in vast numbers every 13 or 17 years. Their emergence events, known as "broods," occur in specific geographic regions and attract widespread attention.

Cicadas play a crucial ecological role as both consumers and prey in forest ecosystems. While their emergence events may temporarily disrupt tree health, particularly for younger trees, cicadas contribute to nutrient cycling and ecosystem dynamics.

How Cicadas Damage Trees

Cicadas pose a significant threat to trees, particularly during their emergence cycles, due to their egg-laying and feeding behaviors. Understanding the mechanisms of cicada damage is crucial for implementing effective preventive measures and mitigating potential harm to tree health.

Egg-Laying Behavior

• Incisions in Branches and Twigs: Adult female cicadas utilize their ovipositors to create slit-like incisions in tree branches and twigs for egg deposition.
• Weakening of Tree Structures: These incisions weaken the structural integrity of branches, making them more susceptible to breakage and dieback.
• Damage to Cambium Layer: Egg-laying activity can damage the cambium layer of trees, disrupting nutrient transport and compromising overall tree health.

Nymph Feeding

• Feeding on Tree Roots: After hatching, cicada nymphs burrow into the soil and feed on tree roots, particularly those of younger trees.
• Disruption of Nutrient Uptake: Nymph feeding disrupts the tree's ability to absorb water and nutrients, leading to stunted growth, wilting foliage, and, in severe cases, tree mortality.
• Impact on Tree Vigor: Prolonged feeding by nymphs can weaken the vigor of trees, making them more susceptible to other stressors such as drought, disease, and pest infestations.

Overall Impact

Cicada damage to trees can have far-reaching consequences, affecting the aesthetic appeal, structural integrity, and overall health of affected trees. Additionally, the cumulative impact of cicada infestations can disrupt ecosystem dynamics and pose challenges for tree management and conservation efforts.

Preventing Cicada Damage to Trees

1. Physical Protection

Implementing physical barriers is an effective method for safeguarding trees against cicada damage. These protective measures can significantly reduce the risk of tree injury by preventing adult cicadas from accessing branches for egg-laying.

• Covering susceptible trees with fine-mesh netting is a practical approach to deter cicadas from laying eggs on branches. The netting acts as a barrier, preventing adult cicadas from reaching the tree canopy and making incisions for egg deposition. Ensure the netting is securely fastened around the perimeter of the tree canopy to prevent gaps that cicadas could exploit.
• For smaller trees or ornamental shrubs, row covers provide an additional layer of protection against cicada infestation. These lightweight fabric covers are draped over individual plants, creating a physical barrier that prevents cicadas from accessing branches. Row covers should be anchored securely to the ground to prevent wind displacement and ensure comprehensive coverage.
• Wrapping tree trunks with burlap or specialized tree wraps can deter cicadas from climbing up to the canopy to lay eggs. These wraps create a rough surface that makes it difficult for cicadas to grip and ascend the trunk. Additionally, tree wraps can provide insulation against extreme temperatures and protect trees from mechanical damage.
• Regular pruning of tree branches can remove potential egg-laying sites and minimize the risk of cicada damage. Remove dead or weakened branches that may attract cicadas and focus on maintaining a balanced canopy structure.
• Implementing physical protection measures is an essential component of comprehensive cicada management strategies.

2. Chemical Treatments

In cases where cicada infestations pose a significant threat to tree health, chemical treatments can be employed to deter cicadas and protect vulnerable trees. These treatments target adult cicadas during their egg-laying phase and nymphs during their feeding stage, offering an effective means of control.

• Insecticides: Application of insecticides can deter adult cicadas from laying eggs on tree branches and twigs. Contact insecticides, such as pyrethroids, can be sprayed directly onto foliage to repel cicadas upon contact. Systemic insecticides, applied to the soil or injected into the tree trunk, are absorbed by the tree and ingested by feeding nymphs, effectively targeting them from within.
• Soil Drenches: Soil drenches containing systemic insecticides can be applied around the base of trees to target cicada nymphs feeding on roots. These insecticides are absorbed by the roots and translocated throughout the tree, providing long-lasting protection against nymph feeding. Soil drenches should be applied according to label instructions and timed to coincide with cicada emergence.
• Trunk Injections: Injecting systemic insecticides directly into the tree trunk can provide targeted control of cicada nymphs feeding on roots. This method delivers insecticide directly into the tree's vascular system, ensuring efficient uptake and distribution throughout the tree. Trunk injections are typically performed by trained professionals using specialized equipment to minimize tree stress and maximize effectiveness.

Chemical treatments should be applied judiciously and in accordance with label instructions to minimize environmental impact and ensure safe and effective control of cicadas.

3. Tree Health Maintenance

Maintaining the overall health and vigor of trees is principal in mitigating the impact of cicada damage. By promoting tree resilience and vitality, homeowners can enhance their trees' ability to withstand cicada infestations and recover from potential damage.

• Proper Watering: Ensuring trees receive adequate moisture is essential for their health and resilience against cicada damage. During periods of drought or dry weather, supplemental watering may be necessary to prevent water stress and maintain optimal hydration levels. Water trees deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
• Nutrient Management: Providing trees with essential nutrients is crucial for supporting their growth and defense mechanisms against pests and diseases. Conduct soil tests to assess nutrient levels and adjust fertilization practices accordingly. Avoid over-fertilization, as excessive nitrogen can stimulate lush foliage growth that may attract cicadas.
• Mulching: Mulching around the base of trees helps conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark mulch, around the tree's root zone, leaving space around the trunk to prevent moisture accumulation and trunk rot. Mulching also promotes soil aeration and microbial activity, supporting overall tree health.
• Pruning: Regular pruning of trees promotes structural integrity, removes dead or diseased branches, and reduces potential egg-laying sites for cicadas. Prune trees during the dormant season to minimize stress and encourage vigorous regrowth. Focus on maintaining a balanced canopy structure and removing branches that may pose safety hazards or attract cicadas.
• Pest Monitoring: Regularly inspect trees for signs of pest infestations, including cicada activity, and take prompt action to address any issues. Monitor for slit-like incisions on branches, wilting foliage, and nymph activity in the soil. Early detection allows for timely intervention and implementation of preventive measures to protect tree health.

4. Early Detection

Early detection of cicada activity is crucial for implementing timely preventive measures and minimizing potential damage to trees. Vigilant monitoring of trees allows homeowners to identify signs of cicada infestation and take prompt action to protect tree health.

Regularly inspect trees for characteristic signs of cicada activity, such as slit-like incisions on branches and twigs. Adult cicadas use their ovipositors to create these incisions for egg-laying, weakening the affected branches and making them more susceptible to breakage.

Wilting foliage and dieback may also indicate cicada damage, especially in younger trees. Pay close attention to changes in tree appearance and behavior, as these symptoms may signal ongoing cicada infestation and require immediate attention.

Additionally, monitor the soil around trees for signs of cicada nymph activity. Look for nymphs emerging from the soil or feeding on tree roots, as their presence indicates an active infestation that warrants intervention.

Early detection allows homeowners to implement preventive measures such as netting, insecticide application, and cultural practices to protect trees from cicada damage. By staying vigilant and proactive, homeowners can safeguard their trees and minimize the impact of cicada infestations on tree health and vitality.

5. Cultural Practices

Implementing cultural practices can contribute significantly to the resilience of trees against cicada damage. By adopting sustainable management strategies and promoting healthy tree growth, homeowners can minimize the impact of cicada infestations and enhance overall tree vigor.

• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of trees to conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Mulching also promotes soil aeration and microbial activity, supporting root health and resilience against cicada feeding.
• Soil Management: Maintain well-draining soil conditions by avoiding compaction and improving soil structure through aeration and organic amendments. Healthy soil promotes robust root development and enhances tree resilience against cicada feeding.
• Watering: Provide trees with consistent moisture, especially during periods of drought or dry weather, to support their growth and vitality. Deep watering encourages deep root penetration and drought tolerance, reducing susceptibility to cicada damage.
• Fertilization: Apply balanced fertilizers to trees to supplement essential nutrients and promote healthy growth. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, as it can stimulate lush foliage growth that may attract cicadas.

6. Professional Assistance

Seeking professional assistance from certified arborists is essential for effectively managing cicada damage and preserving tree health. With their expertise and specialized knowledge, arborists can assess the extent of cicada infestation, recommend appropriate treatment options, and implement preventive measures to safeguard trees.

• Expert Assessment: Arborists can conduct thorough inspections to identify signs of cicada damage and assess tree health and vitality.
• Tailored Solutions: Based on their assessment, arborists can develop customized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each tree.
• Safe and Effective Treatment: Arborists have access to professional-grade equipment and products, ensuring safe and effective treatment of cicada infestations.
• Long-term Maintenance: Arborists can provide ongoing care and maintenance to support tree recovery and resilience against future cicada emergence events.

When it comes to protecting your trees from cicada damage, trust the expertise of Acer Tree Service. As your local arborist professionals in Lake County, IL, we offer a range of pest prevention to meet your tree care needs.

Contact Acer Tree Service for Pest Prevention

In summary, cicadas present a cyclical challenge to tree health, emerging once every 17 years to lay eggs on deciduous trees. Understanding their biology and the mechanisms of damage they inflict is crucial for implementing preventive measures. 

This blog explored cicada damage, emphasizing the importance of prevention and offering practical strategies to safeguard trees. For professional assistance in protecting your trees from cicada damage, trust Acer Tree Service. 

Our certified arborists in Lake County, IL, offer tailored solutions and expert care to preserve tree health. Contact us at (847) 802-8733 or [email protected] to safeguard your trees against cicada infestations.