Cicadas are coming: Protect new trees!

Cicadas are coming: Protect new trees!
If cicadas are in your yard, newly planted trees may get unwanted pruning by the female cicada. She seeks out, woody, pencil-width twigs in which to lay her eggs. This process results in end-of-season, broken branches called 'flagging'. Sprays are not practical and the damage is a risk to only the young, vulnerable trees. Big trees will endure! During this 4-6 week period you can deter cicadas with netting. See the video where we measured the tree using a big tree stake. And that big tree stake has a dual purpose to support the weight of the net and protect the tree leading branch from bending.

Joyce Browning Horticulturist, Master Gardener Coordinator
Video credit: Bethany Evans Longwood Gardens Professional Gardener Program Alumni; CPH

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