Give a Tree Some Attention Today

We are fortunate to have several nice trees on our property, some growing rampant and wild, but several were obviously planted and tended by a previous owner. My favorite was undoubtedly the Bald Cypress growing behind the house. I say "was" because it's dead now. It's sad bare branches remind me every day that trees sometimes require human care and attention. It died of an intense bagworm infection. And it's demise didn't take long! Just a couple of weeks and the lush springy fronds were all gone.

I understand there is a serious bagworm infestation in Oklahoma this year. Check here for information on identifying and dealing with a bagworm infestation. This article is taken directly from an OSU extension document on the subject.

We also lost a pine tree in front of the house to the Southern Pine Beetle in 2009. These were beautiful trees and it's sad to see them die. It's especially sad because we may have been able to treat them and prevent the damage and death if I had noticed the signs. This is what a bagworm looks like.





The worm itself pokes it's ugly head out the top of this cocoon to spin heavy silk and munch on my precious tree leaves.

This is not a winter photo. It's my Bald Cypress in June.




Be saddened. Be warned. Be a friend. Be on the outlook for the devastation these pests can do and save a tree.