The Connection Between Tree Health and Pest Prevention

September 30, 2025

Healthy trees are valuable assets to any property, offering shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. However, when trees become weakened by disease, damage, or poor maintenance, they can quickly attract pests. These infestations not only harm the tree itself but can also spread to surrounding vegetation, threatening the overall landscape. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we emphasize the importance of regular care to keep trees healthy and resilient against pests that are common in the Midwest.

Why Tree Health Matters for Pest Resistance

Strong, vigorous trees have natural defenses against insects. They produce protective chemicals, grow thick bark, and generate new growth that can resist minor infestations. When trees are stressed due to drought, soil compaction, or disease, their defenses weaken, making them more susceptible to insects that feed on bark, leaves, or roots. Keeping trees healthy through proper pruning, watering, and soil management is the first line of defense against pests.

Common Pests in the Midwest

Several pests are especially prevalent in this region, and understanding their behavior helps explain why tree health is so critical:

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB): This invasive insect has devastated ash populations across the Midwest. It targets weakened trees, burrowing into bark and disrupting nutrient flow. Healthy ash trees maintained with preventive treatments are better able to withstand early infestations.
Gypsy Moth Caterpillars: These caterpillars feed on a wide variety of tree leaves, including oak, birch, and willow. Repeated defoliation weakens trees, leaving them vulnerable to secondary pests and diseases.
Japanese Beetles: Known for feeding on leaves of linden, elm, and fruit trees, these beetles cause skeletonization of foliage. Healthy trees with strong root systems recover more easily from temporary leaf loss.
Aphids: Small but destructive, aphids cluster on new growth, sucking out sap and excreting honeydew that attracts mold. While aphids are common, they tend to thrive on trees already under stress.

Bagworms: These pests affect conifers and shade trees, building protective cases and stripping foliage. Severe infestations can kill weakened trees, while healthier trees can tolerate limited feeding.

Preventing Pest Problems Through Proper Care

Pest prevention begins with consistent maintenance. Regular pruning removes dead or diseased branches where insects are likely to establish themselves. Proper mulching conserves soil moisture, while correct watering practices prevent drought stress. Fertilization, when necessary, provides trees with the nutrients required to support strong growth and natural resistance.

Inspections are equally important. Professional arborists can identify early signs of infestation, such as bore holes, leaf discoloration, or unusual sap flow. Addressing problems early prevents them from spreading and protects surrounding trees.

The Role of Professional Treatments

In some cases, professional treatments are necessary to prevent pests from overwhelming otherwise healthy trees. For example, systemic insecticides can protect ash trees from emerald ash borers when applied proactively. Biological controls may help reduce populations of gypsy moths or bagworms. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we only recommend treatments when they are necessary, focusing first on natural defenses and environmental balance.

Protecting the Entire Landscape

Tree health does not exist in isolation. Pests often move from one weakened tree to others in the area. By maintaining each tree in good condition, property owners reduce the risk of infestations spreading throughout their landscape. This approach protects not only the appearance of the property but also its overall safety and long-term value.

Final Thoughts

Pests are a natural part of the environment, but they become a serious threat when trees are weakened by stress or disease. By focusing on tree health, property owners create conditions where pests are less likely to thrive. Proper maintenance, regular inspections, and timely professional care are the most effective strategies for protecting trees from common Midwestern pests such as emerald ash borers, gypsy moths, and Japanese beetles.

At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we provide expert care to ensure that your trees remain strong, resilient, and pest-resistant. With the right approach, healthy trees not only withstand infestations but continue to provide beauty and benefits for many years.

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How Proper Tree Care Reduces Liability for Homeowners

September 23, 2025

Owning a home comes with responsibilities that go beyond paying the mortgage and maintaining the interior. The landscape, particularly large trees, can also pose risks if not properly cared for. While trees add beauty, shade, character, and value to a property, neglected or unhealthy trees can quickly become liabilities. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we help homeowners protect their investment and reduce potential liability through expert tree care services. The Legal Responsibility of Homeowners Homeowners are generally responsible for ensuring that their property does not present unreasonable hazards to others. This is called “ Duty of Care ” in law. This responsibility includes trees. If a neglected or diseased tree falls and damages a neighbor’s property, vehicle, or injures someone, the homeowner may be held liable. Even branches that extend over property lines or public sidewalks can create risks if they break unexpectedly. Proactive care ensures that homeowners are fulfilling their duty to maintain a safe environment .

How Cabling and Bracing Protect Valuable Trees From Storm Damage

September 18, 2025

Trees are some of the most valuable assets on any property. They provide shade, beauty, and environmental benefits, and in many cases, they hold sentimental value for homeowners. However, storms in the Midwest can bring high winds, heavy rain, and ice that place enormous stress on trees. Even healthy trees can experience structural weaknesses that make them vulnerable. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we offer cabling and bracing as specialized techniques to protect valuable trees from storm damage and extend their lifespans. Understanding Structural Weakness in Trees Not all trees grow with perfect structure. Some develop weak branch unions , where two large limbs diverge from a single point at a narrow angle. Others grow with uneven weight distribution or multiple trunks that compete for dominance. While these conditions may not cause immediate problems, they create vulnerabilities when storms strike. Strong winds and heavy snow can cause weakened branches to snap, splitting the tree and leaving behind irreparable damage.

Signs Your Trees May Not Survive the Winter Without Care

September 10, 2025

Fall is the season when homeowners begin preparing their properties for the cold months ahead. While many focus on sealing windows, checking heating systems, or cleaning gutters, tree care is often overlooked. Trees are resilient, but harsh winter conditions can expose hidden weaknesses. Without proper attention in the fall, some trees may not survive the cold, snow, and ice. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we help homeowners recognize the warning signs that indicate a tree needs care before winter arrives.

The Environmental Benefits of Professional Tree Care

September 3, 2025

Trees are among the most valuable natural resources in our communities. They provide shade, improve air quality, and support wildlife. Yet many homeowners overlook the importance of professional tree care in preserving these benefits. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we believe that taking care of trees is not only about maintaining curb appeal or preventing hazards, but also about protecting the environment. Professional tree care contributes directly to healthier ecosystems and a more sustainable future.

Tree Preservation vs Tree Removal: Knowing When to Choose Each Option

August 29, 2025

Trees bring beauty, shade, and value to any property, but they also require careful attention to ensure they remain safe and healthy. Homeowners often face a difficult choice when a tree begins to show signs of stress or decline: should it be preserved, or is removal the safer and more responsible decision? At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we believe that every tree deserves thoughtful evaluation before action is taken. Here is what you should know about deciding between preservation and removal.

Tree Pruning Myths That Could Harm Your Landscape

August 20, 2025

Pruning is one of the most important aspects of tree care. When done correctly, it improves the health, safety, and appearance of your trees. However, when done poorly or based on incorrect assumptions, it can cause lasting damage. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we often encounter homeowners who have heard common myths about pruning that could put their trees at risk. By understanding these misconceptions, you can make better choices for your landscape.

The Difference Between Deadwood Pruning and Canopy Reduction

August 14, 2025

Not All Tree Trimming Is the Same At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we often hear clients use the terms “pruning” and “trimming” as if they mean the same thing. While both involve removing branches from a tree, the purpose, timing, and results of different pruning techniques can vary significantly. Two of the most common approaches we use are deadwood pruning and canopy reduction. These services are not interchangeable, and knowing the difference can help you decide what your trees need to remain healthy, safe, and visually appealing.

How to Prepare Trees for Heavy Snowfall Before Winter Hits

August 7, 2025

Don’t Wait for a Fall As Midwest winters approach, homeowners face the annual challenge of protecting their property from extreme weather. While much attention is paid to snow removal and roof maintenance, trees often go overlooked until a limb crashes down or an entire tree topples under the weight of snow and ice. Proper tree preparation is essential not only for the health of your landscape but also for the safety of your home and family. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we believe proactive care is the best strategy for protecting your trees and avoiding costly damage during the winter months. Here is what you need to know.

How Tree Roots Can Affect Your Foundation and Plumbing

August 1, 2025

Protecting Your Property from Underground Damage Trees offer countless benefits: shade, privacy, curb appeal, and cleaner air. But when their roots grow unchecked, they can also become a costly threat to your property. For homeowners in the Midwest, root systems from mature or poorly placed trees can lead to serious damage below ground. Foundations can crack. Pipes can rupture. And what starts as a small root intrusion can quickly grow into a major headache. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we understand both the value of mature trees and the importance of protecting your home. Here is what you need to know about invasive roots and how to address them before they cause long-term damage.

How Invasive Plant Species Threaten Native Midwest Forests

July 23, 2025

Protecting the Midwest Landscape The trees that define the Midwest landscape (oaks, maples, elms, and more) are essential to the health of local ecosystems . They provide shade, support wildlife, and help maintain soil and air quality. But these natural systems are increasingly threatened by invasive plant species that crowd out native growth and disrupt the balance of the environment. Unlike native species, invasive plants are introduced from outside ecosystems and tend to grow rapidly, reproduce aggressively, and outcompete native plants for resources. Without natural predators or environmental checks, these plants spread quickly and can overtake entire landscapes if left unmanaged. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we help property owners and land managers identify and remove these harmful species before they do lasting damage. Understanding the problem is the first step toward protecting your trees and your land.