How Do I Spot Tree Diseases and Pests in Summer?

Tennessee summers bring more than sunshine and heat — they also bring a wave of pests and diseases that can silently attack your trees. As a homeowner in Sevierville, you want your trees to thrive, but spotting trouble early is key. That’s where Sauls Land Management LLC comes in! We specialize in diagnosing, treating, and (when necessary) removing affected trees to keep your landscape beautiful and safe.

Here’s how to stay ahead of summer’s biggest tree threats.

What Summer Pests Threaten My Trees in Tennessee?

During summer, several pests become active and start feeding on trees:

• Japanese beetles — chew on leaves, leaving behind “skeletonized” foliage.
• Aphids — tiny bugs that suck sap, causing sticky residue (honeydew).
• Scale insects — small, immobile pests that cluster on bark and branches.
• Bagworms and caterpillars — create silk bags or webs while stripping foliage.
• Borers — tunnel into trunks and branches, weakening tree structure.

How do I know if insects are harming my tree?
Look for chewed or curling leaves, sticky sap, sawdust-like material at the base, or visible insect clusters.

For pest inspections and treatments, visit SaulsLandManagementLLC.com or call (865) 280-0428.

How Do I Recognize Signs of Tree Diseases Like Cankers or Blight?

Summer heat and humidity create the perfect environment for fungal and bacterial diseases. Watch for:

• Cankers — sunken, dead areas on branches or trunks, sometimes oozing sap.
• Leaf spots and blight — brown or black spots, yellowing, and premature leaf drop.
• Powdery mildew — white, powdery coating on leaves.
• Rust diseases — orange or reddish spots on leaves.

How quickly can a disease spread?
Some diseases spread fast, especially under hot, moist conditions — early detection is critical.

Need a professional diagnosis? Sauls Land Management can assess and recommend solutions.

Can an Arborist Save a Tree with Early-Stage Disease?

Yes, in many cases! Early intervention can:

• Stop the spread of disease with targeted pruning.
• Apply treatments like fungicides or insecticides.
• Improve the tree’s health with watering, mulching, or fertilizing.
• Remove infected limbs before the problem worsens.

When should I call an arborist?
As soon as you notice abnormal signs like discoloration, dieback, oozing, or insect activity — waiting too long can reduce treatment success.

Sauls Land Management’s team is ready to help; reach us at SaulsLandManagementLLC.com or call (865) 280-0428.

ould I Remove a Diseased Tree or Try to Treat It?

Not every sick tree needs to be removed, but sometimes it’s the safest option.

Treat the tree if:

• The disease is caught early.
• The trunk and main limbs are still strong.
• A certified arborist recommends treatment.

Remove the tree if:

• The disease has weakened the structure.
• The infection poses a risk to nearby trees or property.
• Pests like borers have severely damaged the trunk.

What if I’m not sure?
Always consult a tree care professional. At Sauls Land Management, we provide honest assessments to help you make the right choice for your property.

Keep Your Trees Healthy This Summer with Sauls Land Management

Your trees are a big part of your home’s beauty and value — don’t let summer pests and diseases take them down! Sauls Land Management LLC offers:

• Tree health inspections
• Pest and disease treatments
• Expert pruning and trimming
• Safe, professional tree removal

Call us at (865) 280-0428 or visit SaulsLandManagementLLC.com to schedule a tree health checkup today. Let’s keep your landscape lush, healthy, and thriving all summer long!