Kermes scale is a pest that attacks oak trees. These aggressive insects feed on the oak sap and cause serious damage to the tree. As soon as you notice kermes scale in your garden, you must take care of it immediately.

To fight this parasitic insect, you can take advantage of several methods. Learning more about the treatment options can help you make an educated decision about controlling kermes scale infestations.

Identifying Kermes Scale

Kermes scale insects are small and round. Their shell-like appearance makes them similar to the growth of gals, and many gardeners misidentify them at first.

These insects are usually around 1/8-inch in diameter and range from tan to reddish brown. Kermes scale often cluster together and create visible colonies on the host plant.

The primary target of these parasitic insects is oak trees. They usually sit near branch tips, leaf nodes, and bark crevices. Besides visible scales on the tree, the signs of infestation include:

• Yellowing, browning,  or wilting leaves
• Dropping leaves
• Stunted growth
• Excess sap on leaves or the ground beneath the tree

While kermes scale primarily affects oak species, other trees and shrubs in your garden may also be vulnerable due to sap build up causing them to not be able to photosynthesize. 

Treatment Options

Careful inspection of your plants and early detection are key to effective kermes scale treatment. You can address this challenge in several ways:

Cultural Control

If you don’t see a major infestation yet, you can start with natural methods like cultural control. Start by handpicking visible scales from the tree. Then, you can prune heavily infested branches to reduce the population and prevent the spread of scales.

Chemical Control

When cultural methods aren’t sufficient, you can try chemical treatments. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils can work well against kermes scale, especially when they are at the early nymph stages (before forming a strong protective shell). You need to apply these products to all affected areas and ensure direct contact with the pests.

Another approach is systemic insecticides, which is what we recommend and primarily use.. These chemicals are absorbed by the plant and delivered to the scales through the sap. While these insecticides can work well against the scales, they may also hurt beneficial insects. That’s why using them without professional assistance can be dangerous for your garden.

Biological Control

A sustainable and often effective way to battle scale is to encourage natural predators to live in your garden. Ladybugs and parasitic wasps naturally feed on scale insects and help reduce their population over time.

To attract these beneficial insects, you can plant nectar-rich flowers nearby and reduce broad-spectrum pesticide application.

Prevention Tips

The best way to fight kermes scale is to keep it from infesting your garden in the first place. Some of the most effective preventive methods are:

• Regular Plant Inspections: Frequently check your plants, especially oak trees, for early signs of kermes scale.
• Maintain Plant Health: Healthy plants are more resistant to pests. Water, fertilize, and prune your trees and shrubs regularly.
• Use Pest-Resistant Varieties: Whenever possible, choose pest-resistant plant varieties for your garden. These options are less likely to attract kermes scale or other harmful pests.
• Encourage Beneficial Insects: Create a habitat for natural predators like ladybugs and parasitic wasps in advance.

A healthy and well-maintained garden is often resistant to infestation. With the right preventive approach, it may be possible to avoid significant damage.

Managing Kermes Scale the Right Way 

Kermes scale is a small parasitic insect that attacks garden plants. Their favorite targets are oak trees. When the infestation begins, you can fight these insects by pruning, using insecticides, and attracting their natural enemies.

While kermes scale treatment is often effective, the best way to avoid the damage is to take a proactive approach. By implementing proper preventive measures, you can make your garden unappealing to this parasite.
To learn more about kermes scale and available treatments, please contact us today.

The year-round ability of evergreens to create a warm atmosphere is priceless. However, to maintain the texture and color, these trees need some extra help. As the cold weather settles, you need to take a special approach to protecting these plants.

Although more resistant than deciduous trees, evergreens are vulnerable to heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and strong winds. Since all of these aren’t a rarity in Denver, knowing how to prepare for the cold season is key to keeping your evergreens in top shape. Let’s discuss protective measures for this winter.  

When Should I Prune Evergreens?

The best time to prune most evergreens is late winter or early spring, just before the new growth begins. During this period, the trees are dormant. So, the risk of sap loss and pest infestation is low. Meanwhile, all the pruning scars will heal quickly once the new growth resumes in the spring.

Pruning techniques can vary depending on the type of evergreen.

• Spruce and Fir Trees: Pruning can include cutting back lateral branches to maintain shape or remove deadwood. These trees respond well to light trimming. They should never be overpruned.
• Pine Trees: Only prune the new growth, known as “candles,” to shape the tree without harming its health. Avoid cutting back to old wood because pines do not regrow from older branches.
• Shrubs (boxwoods or yew): Light shearing can maintain their shape, while selective pruning can improve air circulation and prevent disease.

Try not to prune your evergreens until February. Doing this could hurt your plants and keep them from growing properly next spring.

Should I Fertilize Before Winter?

The best time to fertilize evergreens is in the spring. This allows the nutrients to be absorbed and stored properly.

Late applications in fall  can encourage new growth that’s more vulnerable to winter damage. However, if you use a slow-release or time-release fertilizer, you can apply it in the late fall as well. Just make sure to do it before the first frost hits.

Over-fertilizing evergreens also poses significant risks. Excess nutrients can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which may harm roots and disrupt water absorption.

Essential Tips for Winterizing Evergreens

To survive winter, evergreens need your help. These techniques can make sure your plants are ready for growth in the spring.

Watering

Provide deep watering throughout late fall until the ground freezes. Aim for about one inch of water per week and make sure to account for rainfall. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Proper watering is necessary to support root hydration during dormancy.

Mulching

Mulch helps insulate the roots, retain soil moisture, and regulate temperature fluctuations. Spread 2–4 inches of organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, in a ring around the tree’s base. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest issues.

Protecting against Winter Damage

Use burlap or plant wraps to shield smaller trees and shrubs from harsh conditions. You can consider installing windbreaks, such as temporary fences or strategically placed stakes, to reduce wind exposure.

To clean evergreens from heavy snow, brush them off gently. Shaking the branches to remove the snow can damage them.

Enjoy Healthy Evergreens This Winter 

While evergreens are strong plants, they need your help to make it through the winter. With the right approach to watering, fertilizing, and mulching, you can make sure these plants remain beautiful all year round.
If you have any questions about caring for evergreens this winter, please contact us at any time.