As a Vermont resident, it's important to know which pests and diseases might threaten the trees in your backyard. Hickory trees, in particular, are a common sight in Vermont, with species such as shagbark hickory and pignut hickory being native to the region.
While hickory trees are generally hardy and resistant to many pests and diseases, there are a few issues that you should be aware of if you have hickories on your property.
Bark Beetle
One of the most common pests affecting hickory trees in Vermont is the hickory bark beetle. These small, brown beetles are attracted to trees that are stressed or weakened due to age, drought, or other factors. They burrow into the bark of the tree and create tunnels, which can girdle the tree and kill it if the infestation is severe.
To prevent hickory bark beetles, it's important to keep your hickory trees healthy and well-watered, and to remove any dead or dying branches as soon as possible.
[Related Article: Get to Know The 4 Types Of Hickory Trees Found In Vermont]
Shuckworm
Another pest to watch out for is the hickory shuckworm. These green or brown caterpillars feed on the foliage of hickory trees, causing defoliation and weakening the tree.
While they can be controlled with insecticides, the best way to prevent hickory shuckworms is to maintain the health of your trees and remove any infested leaves as soon as possible.
Diseases
Hickory trees are also susceptible to several diseases, including hickory wilt, hickory bark fungus, and hickory leaf blotch. Hickory wilt is caused by a fungus that infects the tree's vascular system, causing wilting and death.
There is no cure for hickory wilt, and infected trees should be removed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Hickory bark fungus causes dark, sunken lesions on the bark of the tree, which can lead to decay and death. This disease can be prevented by keeping your hickory trees healthy and pruning away any infected branches.
Hickory leaf blotch is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves of hickory trees. It is generally not fatal, but it can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to other diseases.
Conclusion
While hickory trees are generally resistant to pests and diseases, it's important to be aware of the potential issues that can arise. By keeping your hickory trees healthy and vigilant for signs of infestation or disease, you can protect these valuable trees and ensure that they continue to thrive in your Vermont backyard.
