The 17 year cicadas are coming to Bloomington, like it or not!
The good news is, we still have time to prepare.
Brood X of periodical cicada are set to emerge from their nearly 2 decade slumber starting this May. Mature trees will likely recover well from this event, however newly planted or tender ornamental trees may be set back in vigor after the wave passes through.
We value your young trees and are excited to offer a protection plan during this insect invasion. This spring we will be wrapping small or newly planted tree canopies with a fine weaved mesh.
The protective mesh is small enough to keep out aphids too, but will allow proper light and water to penetrate. We will then return after the wave passes through to remove the wrapping materials and return your tree to normal exposure.
What trees should you consider for protection?
Any tree under 12′ or planted within the last 5 years. “Trees commonly damaged by cicadas are fruit trees, oak, maple, dogwood, and redbud, but over 200 species are susceptible. Cicadas will not damage most evergreen trees.” source
Request protection from cicadas
We can protect trees for $200 each. Protection includes two visits: one to safely wrap the tree, another to remove netting after the event. All materials are included. If this service is of interest to you please let us know and we can add you to the Cicada Protection Schedule.
Do it yourself Tree Protection
If you have young tree(s) whose main stems and branches are between 3/16” and 7/16” diameter, cicadas can cause serious damage. To protect your trees:
- Ask your favorite local retailer for “Tree Mesh Insect Netting”, or search that phrase online, or purchase and pickup insect netting from us.
- Wrap and secure insect netting around the tree. If needed, close any holes by folding open edges together to form a seam, and stapling them together.
- Gather and close the netting around the trunk with a zip tie (not too tight!).
Things to consider when doing it yourself
- Amount of netting
- Is a ladder needed?
- Two person job?
- Timing the event
- Net weighing on branches
- Accounting for heavy rain
Trees damaged from cicada egg laying
How do cicadas damage trees and shrubs?
“Female cicadas cause damage when they puncture or slit the twigs of trees and shrubs to lay their eggs. Infested branches appear as if the eggs have been stitched in by a sewing machine. These branches will turn brown, die, and sometimes break off. Female cicadas have been reported to lay eggs on over 200 woody tree species and are common on oak, hickory, flowering fruit trees, mountain ash, and grape.” source
What does the damage look like?
Where will Brood X (Brood 10) cicadas emerge in 2021? What plants are high risk for cicada damage?
Request protection from cicadas
We can protect trees for $200 each. Protection includes two visits: one to safely wrap the tree, another to remove netting after the event. All materials are included. If this service is of interest to you please let us know and we can add you to the Cicada Protection Schedule.