Parasite Inspection
Checking your trees for bark beetles, mistletoe, and other parasites before they spread to the rest of your trees.
Bark beetles and mistletoe are the most common tree parasites in Northern Arizona, and both spread from tree to tree if they're left alone. We look for the early signs and tell you honestly what we see and what your options are. Mistletoe can often be handled by climbing the tree and cutting out the affected growth. Bark beetles are harder: once a tree is infested, removing it quickly is often the only way to keep them from spreading to the trees around it. Catching either one early is the difference between dealing with one tree and losing several.
Common questions
What are the signs of bark beetles?
Small pitch tubes or holes on the trunk, excessive sap oozing from the wounds, boring dust in the bark crevices or at the base, and needles fading from green to yellow to red. If your tree has several of these signs, the tree likely has a serious issue.
Can you get rid of mistletoe?
Often, yes. Mistletoe is usually handled by cutting out the affected growth. Depending on its location, this can require climbing the tree. Left alone it keeps spreading through the canopy and on to nearby trees, so it's best caught early.
Can a tree with bark beetles be saved?
If the tree looks like the one above, then likely not. With bark beetles the better move is often removing the infested tree quickly so they don't spread to healthy ones nearby. We'll tell you honestly which it is.
I'm seeing holes in the trunk of my tree. Does this mean there are bark beetles?
Not necessarily. Woodpeckers also commonly create holes, but they follow a different pattern. Give us a call and we can help you assess the situation.
Worried about pests in your trees?
Free on-site estimates in Flagstaff, Sedona, Camp Verde, and everywhere in-between.