Insects can cause considerable damage to trees and shrubs.  By defoliating trees or sucking out their sap, insects retard their growth, weakening and sometimes killing them.  By boring into the trunk and branches, they interfere with sap flow and weaken the tree's structural integrity. Insects may also carry disease by providing an entry way for fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Many insects, however, are beneficial to trees and plants rather than destructive, they help with pollination or act as predators of more harmful species.  Therefore, killing all insects without regard to their kind and function can actually be detrimental to tree health.

Treatment

If treatment is necessary, it will depend on the particular insect involved, the extent of the problem, and a variety of factors specific to the situation.

Town and Country Trees Limited recommend consulting a professional if you are in doubt about the nature of the problem.  We will be pleased to provide advice.