utah's common tree species and pests

Below you will find information on tree species and pests that are common to Utah and services we provide.

Anything from diagnosing plant health to spraying, trimming, pruning, removal and many others.

Need more information? Feel free to call us at 385.800.8733 or email us at leif@hiddenoaktreecare.com

Green Ash

A tough, durable, large tree used extensively in Utah in landscapes since pioneer times.

Lilac borers can be an especially severe problem that is difficult to treat effectively, though they may be most likely to affect stressed trees.

Aphids and Lilac Ash Borers are the most common pests for this species.

Common Pests

Aphids

Aphids are one of the most common insect found on trees. With over 400 different species that feed on a variety of trees. While aphids look more unsightly than cause damage to established trees they do secrete honeydew which can cause the tree to be sticky or anything it drips onto.

Symptoms:
– Curled and discolored leaves
– Plant sap secreted as honeydew
– Spots of sap on cars, sidewalks, houses

Trees Effected:
They can be found on virtually any tree.

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Lilac Ash Borer

Adult lilac ash borers resemble wasps in all aspects but in fact it is actually a type of moth. The female emits a pheromone to attract males 2 weeks after coming out of the tree. Within a hour they lay upwards of 400 eggs. They do not usually kill their host but cause weak wood which in turn can be a hazard.

Signs and Symptoms:
– Limbs dying
– Round exit holes
– Empty pupal cases
– Loose bark and wonds
– Weakened limbs that cn break easily

Trees Effected:
Lilacs, Ash, Privet

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

ASPEN

Over-planted in Utah and found where homes are built into native aspen areas. Native trees do well, but aspen does not like heat and dry conditions found in our lower valleys. Best grown in cooler high-mountain climates.

Leaf Scorch, Aspen Leaf Spots, Borers, Cankers, Galls and Iron Chlorosis are most common pests for this species.

Common Pests

Aspen Leave Spot

Aspen leaf spot is caused by a fungi that causes leaves to have dead (black) spots on them with yellowing around them. It can be mistaken for iron deficiency (Chlorosis).

Symptoms:
– Dead spots on leaves
– Yellowing around those dead spots

Trees Effected:
Aspens

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Poplar Bud Gall Mite

The poplar bud gall mite is a microscopic mite that is not visible with the naked eye. Species of trees effected by the mite are Aspens, Cottonwoods and Poplars. Mites are flightless but due to their small nature are able to hitch rides on wind currents, birds and other insects.

Signs and Symptoms:
– Woody cauliflower like galls that develop on leaf buds

Trees Effected:
Aspens, Cottonwoods and Poplars

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Iron Chlorosis

Iron Chlorosis is the most common nutrient problem of ornamentals, trees, shrubs and vines. The plants are unable to uptake iron from the soil. The leaves of the affected host are light green, yellow or white with bright green veins. Severely affected leaves will scorch and die during the summer. It may vary year to year or during the seasons. Most times only part of the plant will show signs while the rest of it is healthy.

Signs and Symptoms:
– Woody cauliflower like galls that develop on leaf buds

Trees Effected:
Aspens, Cottonwoods and Poplars

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Leaf Scorch

Leaf scorch is a disease of plants which happens when the tree is unable to get enough water to the top of the plant. Occurs most frequently when temperatures are high, during droughts and windy. Possible causes are shallow watering, girdling roots, lack of water after getting a new tree, and trunk injuries from lawn equipment.

Symptoms:
– Burnt looking leaves
– New leaves are more suseptible

Trees Effected:
All plants, most likely found on Ash, Chestnut, Elm, Maple and Poplar

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Lilac Ash Borer

Signs and Symptoms:
– Limbs dying
– Round exit holes
– Empty pupal cases
– Loose bark and wonds
– Weakened limbs that cn break easily

Trees Effected:
Lilacs, Ash, Privet

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Box Elder

Very common, but undesirable as an ornamental in all except the worst conditions.

Boxelder bugs can be a nuisance where female trees are found (they feed on the fruit). Weak-wooded due to rapid growth, Boxelder pose a moderate risk of failure, creating many potential hazards.

Aphids and Aspen Leaf Spot are the most common pests for this species.

Common Pests

Aphids

Symptoms:
– Curled and discolored leaves
– Plant sap secreted as honeydew
– Spots of sap on cars, sidewalks, houses

Trees Effected:
They can be found on virtually any tree.

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Ponderosa Pine

Native to Mountainous areas of Utah, normally a slow grower that is fire and drought resistant. However does not grow well in shaded areas, needs direct sunlight. Needles grow in groups of 2 and are 3″ to 10 ” long. Occasionally used in landscape as an anchor tree where a large long needle pine can take up a large portion of a yard.

Mountain Pine Beetle and Scale are the most common pests for this species.

Common Pests

Mountain Pine Beettle (MPB)

MPB is the most common Bark beetle in the west and is responsible for devastating the Forests in the Mountain West.

Signs & Symptoms:
– Large entry points along trunk of Tree
– Off colored branches, and discolored needles
– Large pockets of sap, called pitch tubes from the trunk of the tree

Trees Effected:
Conifers such as Lodgepole, Ponderosa, Pinyon and other pines

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Pine Needle Scale

Pine needle scale is a small armored scale that attaches itself to the needles of pines, spruces and fir trees. Once the insect is attached they produce a hard waxy shell that is visible to the naked eye. They feed on the sugars that are contained in the needle.

Signs & Symptoms:
– Thin canopies due to infected needles dropping
– Silver appearance from a distance in heavily infested trees
– Numerous, circular shaped white insects on needles

Trees Effected:
Pines (Scots and Mugos especially), firs and spruces

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Cottonwood

Where native it is usually found near streams and lakes. Prefers abundant water. The species was originally planted quite a bit by Utah’s settlers. Those planted now are mostly hybrids chosen for their fast growth rate, disease resistance, and cottonless characteristics (usually male trees). Still, like all cottonwoods and poplars, is weak-wooded and does not belong near lots of people or valuable property.

Aphids and Lilac Ash Borers are the most common pests for this species.

Common Pests

Aphids

Symptoms:
– Curled and discolored leaves
– Plant sap secreted as honeydew
– Spots of sap on cars, sidewalks, houses

Trees Effected:
They can be found on virtually any tree.

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Lilac Ash Borer

Signs and Symptoms:
– Limbs dying
– Round exit holes
– Empty pupal cases
– Loose bark and wonds
– Weakened limbs that cn break easily

Trees Effected:
Lilacs, Ash, Privet

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Limber Pine

Native to higher elevations in Utah. A long life and slow growing tree that does not grow well in shade areas. Needles grow in groups of 5 and are 1.5″ to 3″ long, not commonly used in landscaping but have a nice blue-green needle color and are nice accent trees when used.

Ips Beetle and Scale are the most common pests for this species.

Common Pests

IPS Beetel

Ips beetles are the most common bark beetles in conifers. Bark beetles as a whole are one of the most destructive pests in forests in the world. As individuals they are ineffective at killing a tree. They send out pioneer beetles to find a host and once getting into the tree give off a scent for others to follow.

Signs & Symptoms:
– Small holes in bark
– Off colored branches
– Sap looking stuff called pitch coming out of tree

Trees Effected:
Conifers such as Lodgepole, Limber, Ponderosa, Pinyon and other pines

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Pine Needle Scale

Signs & Symptoms:
– Thin canopies due to infected needles dropping
– Silver appearance from a distance in heavily infested trees
– Numerous, circular shaped white insects on needles

Trees Effected:
Pines (Scots and Mugos especially), firs and spruces

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Lodgepole Pine

Native to higher elevations in Northern Utah and throughout the western United States. Slow growing trees that grow in dense groups with other Lodgepole Pines. These are somewhat drought resistant, and do not grow well in shaded areas. Only occasionally planted in landscape, when a natural less manicured appearance is desired.

Ips Beetle, Mountain Pine Beetle and Pine Scale are the most common pests for this species.

Common Pests

IPS Beetel

Signs & Symptoms:
– Small holes in bark
– Off colored branches
– Sap looking stuff called pitch coming out of tree

Trees Effected:
Conifers such as Lodgepole, Limber, Ponderosa, Pinyon and other pines

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Pine Needle Scale

Signs & Symptoms:
– Thin canopies due to infected needles dropping
– Silver appearance from a distance in heavily infested trees
– Numerous, circular shaped white insects on needles

Trees Effected:
Pines (Scots and Mugos especially), firs and spruces

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Gamble oak

Very commonly found in the foothills along the Wasatch Front. Grow well in dry tough areas, with a think cuticle on the leaves making it fairly drought resistant. It can be a very desirable landscape tree, because of it grove mentality, and clumpy growth form they are a great species to use when sectioning off a yard to neighboring areas.

Leaf Blight and Anthracnose are the most common pests for this species.

Common Pests

Siberian elm

Commonly but incorrectly called Chinese Elm, Siberian Elm was much planted through Utah. This Elm seeds in and spreads aggressively which has spread quickly through the Valleys in Utah. Fast Growing, weak wooded, that is disease and insect prone.

Elm Leaf Beetle, Leaf Spot and Scale are the most common pests for this species.

Common Pests

Aspen Leave Spot

Aspen leaf spot is caused by a fungi that causes leaves to have dead (black) spots on them with yellowing around them. It can be mistaken for iron deficiency (Chlorosis).

Symptoms:
– Dead spots on leaves
– Yellowing around those dead spots

Trees Effected:
Aspens

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Pine Needle Scale

Signs & Symptoms:
– Thin canopies due to infected needles dropping
– Silver appearance from a distance in heavily infested trees
– Numerous, circular shaped white insects on needles

Trees Effected:
Pines (Scots and Mugos especially), firs and spruces

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Norway Maple

Very popular tree in Utah with a medium growth rate and are fairly strong. Intermediate shade tolerance, Maples are very pretty trees with several varieties of leaves from dark purple, to bright green ranging from 4″ to 7″ wide and long.

Iron Chlorosis and Aphids are the two most common pests for this species.

Common Pests

Aphids

Symptoms:
– Curled and discolored leaves
– Plant sap secreted as honeydew
– Spots of sap on cars, sidewalks, houses

Trees Effected:
They can be found on virtually any tree.

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Iron Chlorosis

Signs and Symptoms:
– Woody cauliflower like galls that develop on leaf buds

Trees Effected:
Aspens, Cottonwoods and Poplars

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Catalpa

Large Flowering shade tree that grows well in Utah, drought resistant and adapts well to harsh conditions. It is a high maintenance flowering tree that tends to be messy, dropping leaves, flowers, and pods all at different times through out the year. Leaves are large heart shaped and typically range from 6″-12″ long, most common indicator are the long fruit capsules or seed pods 8″-20″ long.

Anthracnose, Leaf Spots and Chlorosis are the most common pests for this species.

Common Pests

Aspen Leave Spot

Aspen leaf spot is caused by a fungi that causes leaves to have dead (black) spots on them with yellowing around them. It can be mistaken for iron deficiency (Chlorosis).

Symptoms:
– Dead spots on leaves
– Yellowing around those dead spots

Trees Effected:
Aspens

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Iron Chlorosis

Signs and Symptoms:
– Woody cauliflower like galls that develop on leaf buds

Trees Effected:
Aspens, Cottonwoods and Poplars

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Scots Pine

Slow to medium growth rate that grows 40′- 60′ at maturity. Full sun is the ideal planting location and condition for the tree, meaning that it should get 6 hours of direct sunlight every day at a minimum. Easily recognizable by it reddish bark, which makes it fairly common in Utah landscape. Very commonly used for Christmas trees, they can also be a great addition to landscaping in Utah.

Aphids and Pine Scale are the most common pests for this species.

Common Pests

Aphids

Symptoms:
– Curled and discolored leaves
– Plant sap secreted as honeydew
– Spots of sap on cars, sidewalks, houses

Trees Effected:
They can be found on virtually any tree.

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Pine Needle Scale

Signs & Symptoms:
– Thin canopies due to infected needles dropping
– Silver appearance from a distance in heavily infested trees
– Numerous, circular shaped white insects on needles

Trees Effected:
Pines (Scots and Mugos especially), firs and spruces

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Douglas Fir

Native to Pacific coastal states and Rocky Mountain states, including Utah. Not a true fir, it is a western timber pine, mostly found in native areas, but can be found in Utah Landscape. 1″ needles flat and blunt.

Mountain Pine Beetle, Ips Beetle and Pine Scale are the most common pests for this species.

Common Pests

IPS Beetel

Signs & Symptoms:
– Small holes in bark
– Off colored branches
– Sap looking stuff called pitch coming out of tree

Trees Effected:
Conifers such as Lodgepole, Limber, Ponderosa, Pinyon and other pines

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Mountain Pine Beettle (MPB)

MPB is the most common Bark beetle in the west and is responsible for devastating the Forests in the Mountain West.

Signs & Symptoms:
– Large entry points along trunk of Tree
– Off colored branches, and discolored needles
– Large pockets of sap, called pitch tubes from the trunk of the tree

Trees Effected:
Conifers such as Lodgepole, Ponderosa, Pinyon and other pines

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench

Pine Needle Scale

Signs & Symptoms:
– Thin canopies due to infected needles dropping
– Silver appearance from a distance in heavily infested trees
– Numerous, circular shaped white insects on needles

Trees Effected:
Pines (Scots and Mugos especially), firs and spruces

Treatments:
– Systemic Injection Pesticide
– Organic basil drench