Project Objective: Protecting a Fruit Tree from Pests like Winter Moth Using Tanglefoot Insect Barrier
Location: Oaklands, Victoria BC
Date: June 2024

Tree Service Job Overview

Background

A homeowner in the Oaklands neighborhood contacted Advantage Tree Care with concerns about their fruit tree, which was showing signs of pest infestation. The client had noticed insects actively climbing the trunk, leading to damage to the tree’s bark and an overall decline in its health.

About Winter Moth

Winter moth is an invasive pest that originated in Europe and was introduced to BC in the 1970s. The larvae, smooth green inchworms about ¾” long, hatch in early spring and aggressively feed on the young leaves and buds of broadleaf trees, including oak, apple, crabapple, ash, birch, and maple. Severe infestations can lead to extensive defoliation, weakening trees over time and potentially causing dieback or mortality after three consecutive years of damage. Blueberries and roses have also been heavily impacted in recent years.

The moths emerge in late fall and winter, with flightless females crawling up tree trunks to lay eggs. Effective control starts in mid-October by placing sticky tree bands around trunks to intercept the females before they lay eggs.

Challenges

The primary challenge was to protect the fruit tree from further pest damage while restoring its overall health. The infestation had caused stress to the tree, making it more susceptible to disease. The client wanted a solution that was both effective and environmentally friendly.

Solution

Our ISA-certified arborists performed a thorough health assessment of the tree, identifying the pests involved and the extent of the damage. We recommended the application of Tanglefoot Insect Barrier Tree Wrap as a non-toxic solution.

Using an insect barrier like Tanglefoot can be an effective way to reduce winter moth infestations, especially when applied correctly. Since adult female winter moths are flightless, they must crawl up tree trunks to lay their eggs. Applying Tanglefoot or similar sticky barriers around the base of the trunk in late fall (before adult moths emerge) can help trap and prevent them from reaching the canopy. This disrupts the life cycle and reduces the number of larvae that will hatch in the spring.

In addition to applying the Tanglefoot barrier, we implemented a comprehensive pest management plan. This included removing any dead or damaged branches that could harbor pests, improving soil health with organic amendments, and providing guidance on proper watering techniques to reduce stress on the tree. We also inspected the tree for any signs of secondary infections or disease that could result from the pest damage.

Outcome

The Tanglefoot barrier effectively halted the insect infestation, and the maple tree began to recover from the damage. The homeowner noticed a marked improvement in the tree’s vitality within a few months. With the pest threat under control and ongoing monitoring in place, the tree’s health is steadily improving. The client was pleased with the environmentally friendly approach and the comprehensive care plan that will keep their maple tree thriving for years to come.

Have a look through some of the photos from the job.