07/08/2024
Recently, a common question I've received from folks is why their trees or shrubs have small cuts in the branches. The reason for this damage is due to the periodical cicadas that were all the ruckus just a month or so ago!
These "slits" (red circles in the first photo) that are cut into the trees are where the female cicadas deposit their eggs. As the eggs hatch the larvae feed on the tree before eventually dropping to the ground and burrowing into the ground where the rest of their lifecycle is completed. From a distance, the damage from cicadas appears as browning at the tips of branches, which can be alarming.
The good news is for healthy, mature trees this damage is no cause for concern. They pose the greatest risk to young trees or shrubs when the damage is found on their trunks. In fact, there's evidence that shows cicada damage on larger, mature, and healthy trees can actually improve the vigor of the tree in subsequent seasons!
So, do you have cicada damage on your trees or shrubs? We want to see it! Post a photo in the comments below!
