Not all insects are bad for plants, some are beneficial to the eco-system. Lady bugs for example eats aphids which can often destroy trees and plants.

Sometimes when mother nature cannot treat the trees, injections, spraying or other forms of treatments are required to control insects & diseases.

Depending on the serverity and amount of infestation some insects such as Asian Long Beetles and Emerald Ash Borers may be involved in a government control program.  RTEC works with local and federal authorities to control invasive insects.

Dutch Elm Disease has caused thousands of Elm trees to die. Preventative treatments are available to help the tree combat this disease.  Only preventative injections will protect elms from this disease.  Once a tree is diseased it is almost impossible to save.

There are many different types of insects and diseases that affect trees.  Usually, only certain species of trees are prone to certain insects or diseases.  A Certified Arborist experienced in plant health care will know which trees are most susceptible, and keep your property healthy and beautiful.

The insects that are found to be most detrimental to trees are Emerald Ash Borers and Asian Long Horned Beetles. If you notice these insects, contact our Arborists.

Dutch Elm Disease Treatment

As part of a treatment program, this Elm was injected with a treatment to help it resist Dutch Elm Disease which is the number one cause of this species decline and death.

Tick Control

Ticks are most commonly found in fringe and wooded areas. A tick bite can also lead to lyme disease. RTEC uses a multi-pronged integrated environmental treatment program to reduce ticks, decrease their habitat, and disrupt their reproduction. 

Ermald Ash Borers

Emerald Ash Borers, while native to Asia, first arrived in the Midwestern United States over ten years ago and have caused the destruction of millions of Ash trees since. It is believed that they made their way to Fairfax County in 2003 through an infected shipment of nursery stock delivered from Michigan to Prince George’s County, Maryland. Although the previous outbreak was quickly contained, after a five year hiatus, about 20 to 30 trees in the Herndon area have recently been diagnosed as infected with EABs.

These insects cause the destruction of the tree by feeding on and damaging the cambium, which allows for water and nutrient distribution from the roots to the foliage. Although research is being done, as of yet, there is no preventative to treat this insect and more often than not, trees infected with EABs must be removed. Trees infected with EABs will exhibit dying leaves, a severely thinned canopy, broken branches, and distinct D-shaped exit holes in the bark.

Asian Long Horned Beetles