Responding to Insects and Diseases on Landscape Trees and Shrubs

There are so many reasons to celebrate trees and shrubs, which provide not only shade, enhanced property values, and mood enhancement, but also critical ecosystem services, including habitat for a broad suite of pollinators and other insects that support birds, fish, and other wildlife. Given these benefits, if problematic insects or diseases appear on your woody plants, it is important to be thoughtful about if and how to respond. This fact sheet discusses why insecticides and fungicides shouldn’t be your first management choice, outlines a prudent approach to handling possible insect and disease issues, and offers smarter strategies for maintaining healthy trees and shrubs.