Tree & Shrub Insect Inspection
A thorough inspection of your trees and shrubs for signs of insect damage, infestation, or pest-related disease.
Catching problems early is the key to saving your landscape. I'll identify what's damaging your plants and recommend the right treatment before it spreads.
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Signs Your Trees Need an Inspection
Don't wait until it's too late. If you notice any of these warning signs, it's time for a professional inspection.
- Yellowing, wilting, or dropping leaves out of season
- Holes in leaves or bark
- Sticky residue (honeydew) on leaves or beneath trees
- Sawdust-like material at the base of trees
- Unusual growths, bumps, or discoloration on bark
- Webbing or silk structures in branches
- Dieback starting at branch tips
- Birds frequently pecking at your trees
Why Early Detection Matters
Many tree pests work slowly and invisibly. By the time you notice obvious damage, the infestation may have been going on for months or even years.
Annual inspections catch problems while they're still treatable. A mature tree is a significant investment — it takes decades to grow but can be killed in a single season by the wrong pest.
I recommend scheduling inspections in spring (when pests become active) or whenever you notice something unusual.
What to Expect
A straightforward process to identify problems and recommend solutions.
Visual Assessment
I examine your trees and shrubs from the ground up, looking at trunk, branches, leaves, and surrounding soil for signs of pest activity.
Pest Identification
If I find evidence of insects, I'll identify the specific pest and explain what's happening to your plants.
Treatment Recommendation
You'll get a clear recommendation — what treatment is needed (if any), when to apply it, and what results to expect.
Common St. Louis Tree & Shrub Pests
These are the insects I see most often damaging trees and shrubs in our area.
Emerald Ash Borer
Devastating to ash trees. Look for D-shaped exit holes and canopy dieback.
Japanese Beetles
Skeletonize leaves on roses, lindens, and many ornamental plants.
Bagworms
Create distinctive bags on evergreens. Can kill trees if left untreated.
Scale Insects
Small, immobile pests that weaken trees and shrubs by feeding on sap.
Aphids
Cluster on new growth, causing leaf curl and sticky honeydew deposits.
Spider Mites
Cause stippled, bronzed foliage, especially during hot, dry weather.
Tent Caterpillars
Build silk tents in tree crotches and defoliate branches.
Borers
Tunnel under bark, causing branch dieback and structural weakness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my trees need an inspection?
Look for warning signs like yellowing or dropping leaves out of season, holes in leaves or bark, sticky residue on leaves, sawdust at the base of trees, unusual growths on bark, or branch dieback. If you notice any of these, it's time for a professional inspection.
How often should I have my trees and shrubs inspected?
I recommend annual inspections, ideally in spring when pests become active. However, if you notice unusual symptoms at any time, schedule an inspection right away — early detection is key to saving your plants.
What happens if you find pests during the inspection?
I'll identify the specific pest, explain the damage it's causing, and provide a clear treatment recommendation. You'll know exactly what's needed, when to treat, and what results to expect. There's no pressure — just honest advice.
Can damaged trees be saved?
It depends on how far the infestation has progressed. Many tree pest problems are treatable if caught early. That's why regular inspections are so important — a mature tree takes decades to grow but can be killed in a single season by the wrong pest.
Worried About Your Trees?
Schedule an inspection today. I'll identify any problems and give you a clear recommendation — no pressure, no sales pitch.
Schedule Your Inspection