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There are a number of different pests that may harm the trees and shrubs in your lawn, but there are few that are as destructive as the Japanese beetle. This pest originates from Japan, however it has natural predators in Japan that keep the population in check. Unfortunately, these natural predators are not in the U.S., so Japanese beetles are free to destroy greenery. It’s important that you learn about this pest so you know how to spot an infestation and when to call a Denver tree services company for help.

What Does A Japanese Beetle Look Like?

Japanese beetles are very small—around ½ of an inch—but they are brightly colored, which makes them easier to spot despite their size. These bugs have metallic bluish green heads, copper colored bodies, and white hairs on their abdomen. It’s possible that you will spot one of these beetles before seeing any signs of damage, so keep an eye out for bugs that match this description.
 
Adult beetles lay eggs in the soil that will soon turn into grubs, which are beetles that are still in the larvae stage. Grubs are small and white with six legs and brown bodies. It’s unlikely that you will see them as they stay in the soil over the winter and only emerge when they are adults.

What Plants Do Japanese Beetles Destroy?

It’s estimated that adult Japanese beetles feed off of 300 different kinds of plants, so it’s very likely that you will have at least one plant in your yard that interests these bugs. Some of the most common plants that Japanese beetles feed off of are roses, beans, grapes, and raspberries. However, they also are attracted to black walnut trees, cherry trees, dahlias, elm trees, chestnut trees, and mountain ash trees, among many others.
 
It may seem like this beetle will eat anything, but that’s not the case. Certain plants, such as dogwood, juniper, green beans, and holly, are not appealing to Japanese beetles. If possible, try to mix these plants into your landscaping so beetles aren’t as attracted to your yard. Learn more about Japanese beetles.

How Can You Spot Damage Caused by Japanese Beetles?

Japanese beetles quickly devour foliage, leaving only skeletonized leaves behind. If you see leaves that just have the veins left, this is a sign that your yard is infested with Japanese beetles. Signs of an infestation will be different if the bugs are attacking the trees in your yard. Trees that have been attacked by these bugs will look almost as if they have been burned by fire.
 
It’s also common for Japanese beetles to begin at the top of the tree or plant and work their way down to the bottom. Therefore, if you notice damage on the top of your plants, this could be a sign that your plants are currently being attacked by Japanese beetles.
 
Although adult Japanese beetles begin feeding in June, grubs start to feed on grass roots in the winter.

How to Prevent Japanese Beetle Infestations

There are a few things you can do to prevent Japanese beetles from taking over your yard. As previously mentioned, it helps to place plants that are not attractive to Japanese beetles next to those that are. This may reduce the amount of damage that the beetles do if they do make it to your yard.
 
If you’ve had a Japanese beetle problem in the past, be proactive by spraying your yard with a solution of two tablespoons of soap diluted in one gallon of water. Do this during the late spring or fall, which is when the beetles are still in the larvae stage.
 
Pest management experts also recommend keeping your landscaping as healthy as possible to prevent an infestation. This means removing dead or diseased trees and fruits that are ripening prematurely as soon as possible.
 
Even if you follow all of these steps, it’s still possible for Japanese beetles to creep into your yard. Fortunately, there are ways to control an infestation with the help of a professional.

What Should You Do If You Suspect A Japanese Beetle Infestation?

If you have reason to believe that your yard is being infested by Japanese beetles, contact a tree services company as soon as possible. There are several steps that a professional may follow to remove Japanese beetles from your yard. First, he may remove all of the adult Japanese beetles that he can find by hand and destroy them by placing them in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This is typically done in the early morning when Japanese beetles tend to be the most active. This step of the process is only recommended in cases where the tree service professional suspects that there are not many bugs in your yard yet.
 
Second, the tree service professional may recommend weeding your yard and keeping it tidy. Japanese beetles are attracted to weeds, so keeping these out of your yard may help with the infestation problem.
 
Finally, a pesticide will be applied to the areas of your yard that have been affected. The tree service professional may need to use special tools to ensure he has thoroughly sprayed the tops of tall trees that are being destroyed by Japanese beetles. The bugs will make contact with the pesticide when they land on a plant to feed, so this should be effective in destroying large populations of Japanese beetles.
 
Getting rid of these bugs may seem simple, but it’s no easy feat. Once the bugs have been removed from your yard, it’s possible that they will come back if your neighbor’s yard is also infected. That’s why it’s important to work with a professional who can work one-on-one with you to manage your pest problem.
 
Is your lawn infested with Japanese beetles or other harmful bugs? If so, talk to the professionals. Arbor Garden is a locally owned and operated tree services company that specializes in tree pruning, removing, stump removal, planting, and pest management. Contact us today to learn more about our services and receive a free estimate.

As the seasons change, so do the needs of the trees in your yard. Now that summer is right around the corner, it’s important to learn what tree services in Denver you will need to properly care for your trees. Here’s a look at how you can keep your trees healthy all summer long:

Lay down fresh mulch.

One of the easiest ways to keep your trees healthy during the summer is by putting down a fresh layer of mulch around the bases of the trees. Mulch is important because it prevents weed growth and controls the soil temperature. More importantly, it helps the soil retain water. This means that less water will be lost to evaporation, which becomes very important as the temperatures start to rise. The roots of your trees will be able to absorb water from the soil before it evaporates into thin air if you apply a fresh layer of mulch.
 
You can find bags of mulch at any hardware or gardening store. There are many different options, but it’s recommended that you look for shredded hardwood mulch. Once you bring the bags home, apply a circle of mulch around the base of the tree. Make sure that the layer of mulch is about three to four inches thick so your trees can reap all of the benefits listed above.

Turn on the sprinklers.

Summer weather can be brutal on trees, especially if they are young or recently planted. It’s estimated that trees need about one inch of water every week, so if you don’t feel your trees are getting this, you may need to water your trees during the summer to keep them healthy.
 
It’s best to water your lawn in the morning as opposed to the afternoon or evening. In the morning, there usually isn’t any wind to blow away the water droplets before your trees get a chance to absorb them. Temperatures are also cooler in the morning, so you don’t have to worry about the water evaporating before your trees can absorb it. Temperatures are lower in the evening as well, but it’s not wise to water your lawn during this time. If you turn on your sprinklers in the evening, the water that is not absorbed will cling onto your plants and could cause fungus growth. Learn the smarter way to water your lawn.

Look for pest problems.

Many pests, including the magnolia scale, Japanese beetle, and spider mites, are more common in the summer, which means they could slowly begin to infect your trees in the next few months. Get into the habit of frequently inspecting your trees for signs of pest infestations so you can contact a tree service professional as soon as possible.
 
Of course, you will need to learn the signs of pest infestations if you want to be able to catch them early. Sometimes, you can spot the pests right on your tree. This is true of scale insects, which tend to travel in large packs and leave colorful spots on the barks of trees. You may also notice a sticky substance on your tree or the presence of mold. These are both signs of pest infestations, so if you spot them, contact a tree company within your community right away.

Be prepared for the storms.

Summer is typically a fairly stormy season in Colorado, so it’s smart to work with a tree company to determine if any of your trees need to be trimmed before the storms hit. A tree trimming professional can inspect your trees to identify any weak or dead limbs that need to be removed. He can also ensure that your trees are not leaning too close to your home or any other structure on your property. If you don’t do this, it’s possible that your trees could damage your home or car during a heavy storm with high winds.

Fertilize your trees.

Give your tree fertilizer so it can fight off pest infestations and remain strong during the summer season. There are a few different types of fertilizers, but it’s recommended that you use granulated fertilizer if you are applying it yourself because it’s the easiest one to use. Be sure that you don’t apply the fertilizer on the trunk of the tree. Instead, move about one foot away from the trunk and begin applying the fertilizer on the ground. You should stop once you have reached the area beneath the outermost tips of the tree’s branches.
 
It’s best to water the area that you just fertilized as soon as you are done. This will ensure that the fertilizer is quickly dissolved so the tree’s roots can absorb the nutrients right away.

Prune your trees.

Most tree trimming does not take place in the summer, but there are a few reasons why you will need to prune your trees during this season. First, pruning can remove any dead or weakened limbs on your trees so they don’t hurt anyone or damage your property if they fall. You will also need to prune any trees that flower during the spring, such as lilacs and magnolias. These trees will need to be pruned in the first part of summer, preferably right after they have finished blooming.
 
Remember, it’s best to leave pruning up to the professionals instead of trying to handle this task on your own. You will need special equipment so you don’t injure yourself or the tree, and it’s likely that you don’t have the equipment at home. It can also be dangerous to prune large trees if you’re not properly trained to do so. Don’t spend your summer vacation healing from an injury that you sustained while pruning a tree in your yard—let the professionals help.
 
Are you in need of tree services for summer? If so, talk to the professionals. Arbor Garden is a locally owned and operated tree services company that specializes in tree pruning, removing, stump removal, planting, and pest management. Contact us today to learn more about our services and receive a free estimate.

As the most reliable tree service in Denver, Arbor Garden takes responsibility for our reputation and the service we provide. Arbor Garden is a BBB Accredited Business since 2013 – with an A+ rating. Count on us to provide absolute satisfaction in the projects we take on and allow us to show you how our experience can’t be matched.

As a full service tree care company, we can offer everything from maintenance to preventative care – especially with the recent storm damage. With over 20 years in the business, we take pride in our team’s work and strive for excellence in each project.

Rob Springer is in charge of our Trim Department and hails from New Jersey (but we won't hold that against him). As a seasoned climber of over 19 years, Rob has conquered many mountains, including routes in the lower 48 states, Alaska, the Himalaya, Mount Everest, and K2 – a feat that less than 300 people can claim.

We figure if he can climb Mount Everest and K2, he can climb a 60 ft American Elm! He has been in the tree business for six years and a welcome addition to Arbor Garden for the past 2 years.

We are celebrating 20 years of commitment to the care of trees in Denver and beyond!

We thank you for your patronage throughout the years and look foward to continuing to serve you for all of your Denver tree care needs.

Call us today to get your Denver trees and lawn in shape for the upcoming season. (303) 722-8820.