The science of preserving nature since 1964

Spotting and Managing Summer Pests & Diseases

Summer is peak season not only for growing, but also for a wide range of pests and diseases that can impact the health of your landscape. From damaging insects to aggressive fungal infections, trees, shrubs, and lawns all face seasonal threats that homeowners should be aware of. Early detection and timely intervention are key to protecting your plants and maintaining a healthy, vibrant landscape throughout the season.

Tree Pests & Diseases

Several serious tree pests are active or visible during the summer months. The Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive pest originally from Asia, continues to spread in the Northeast. While its preferred host is the Tree of Heaven, it also feeds on a wide variety of hardwood trees and vines, leaving behind sticky honeydew that fosters sooty mold.

Another dangerous invader is the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), which targets all native ash species and causes rapid decline and death. Infestation signs include D-shaped exit holes, canopy thinning, and bark splitting.

Similarly, Dutch Elm Disease, a vascular wilt spread by bark beetles, remains a threat to mature elms in the region. Prompt removal of infected limbs and monitoring is critical to limiting spread.

Spongy Moth (formerly Gypsy Moth) populations can also flare up in summer, defoliating oak and other hardwoods with remarkable speed.

Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) continues to affect both American and European beeches. This disease, associated with a foliar nematode, causes dark striping between leaf veins, curling, and leaf loss. If left unmanaged, it can lead to the gradual death of otherwise healthy beech trees within 2-10 years. There are new macro-injection options now available as well. Please review which treatment option is best for you and your beech with your arborist.

Shrub Pests

Shrubs are not immune to summer pressures either. Aphids, lace bugs, and scale insects are especially active in hot, dry conditions and often go unnoticed until the damage is widespread. Aphids feed on new growth, leaving behind curled leaves and sticky honeydew. Lace bugs, especially on azaleas and andromedas, cause stippling and bleaching of leaves. Scale insects appear as waxy bumps on stems and branches and can be difficult to treat once established.

Japanese beetles, though more associated with lawn grubs, are also destructive foliar feeders on roses, hydrangeas, and other ornamental shrubs. Their feeding creates lacy, skeletonized leaves that reduce plant vigor and aesthetics.

Lawn Pests and Diseases

Hot, humid weather creates ideal conditions for turf pests and diseases. Grubs, the larvae of beetles like Japanese beetles, feed on grassroots and cause large patches of turf to lift away easily. Chinch bugs suck moisture from grass blades, creating irregular brown patches, particularly in sunny areas. Summer Patch, a fungal disease, attacks the roots and crowns of grass, leading to circular patches of dead turf with green centers—commonly mistaken for drought stress. These lawn issues often appear suddenly and worsen rapidly in the heat, but professional intervention can prevent long-term damage. Almstead’s lawn care programs include monitoring and targeted treatment of turf pests, as well as customized fertility, aeration, and disease control plans that promote strong, resilient grass.

How Almstead Can Help

At Almstead, our Certified Arborists and plant health care technicians are trained to spot the early signs of these pests and diseases — often before symptoms are noticeable to the untrained eye. We offer seasonal inspections and custom treatment plans, including both traditional and organic options, tailored to your landscape’s unique needs.

If you notice thinning canopies, unusual leaf spots, sticky residue, brown lawn patches, or just have questions about your landscape’s health, now is the ideal time to schedule a property visit. With timely care, we can protect your trees, shrubs, and lawn from the worst of summer’s pest pressures and help your landscape thrive into the fall and beyond.