Trees and Shrubs (Woody Ornamental Plants)
Most people do not differentiate one insect from another and consider many insect and mite species to be harmful. Here are some facts to keep in mind when confronting insect issues:
- Insect identification can be confusing.
- Most insects do not cause economic or aesthetic damage to woody ornamental plants.
- Mistaken identity can result in overuse of chemical spraying and can be harmful to beneficial insects.
- Learning how insects live and eat can lead to effective control measures.
The goal of ornamental entomology is to provide facts so that informed decisions are made when attempting to effectively manage key insect and mite pests of woody ornamental plants.
A listing of fact sheets on common diseases of woody ornamental plants
Woody Ornamental Insect, Mite, and Disease Management. This publication provides current, effective pest management options for pests of woody plants in both nurseries and landscapes. Scouting reports will be provided on insect and mite pest activity on trees and shrubs in Pennsylvania.
The emerald ash borer has killed more than 40 million ash trees in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kentucky, New York, Tennessee, Iowa, Kansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Adapted from Johnson, W.T. and H.H. Lyon. 1991. Insects that feed on trees and shrubs. 2nd ed., Cornell Univ. Press, Ithaca, New York, 560 pp.
