How to Protect Your Trees from Linnes Cicada Damage

Linnes cicadas, a type of periodic cicada, are known for their loud, distinctive calls and remarkable life cycles. While these insects are fascinating from a natural history perspective, they can pose significant challenges for tree owners and gardeners. Cicadas lay their eggs in tree branches, which can lead to branch damage or “flagging,” stunted growth, and in some cases, the weakening of the entire tree. Protecting your trees from Linnes cicada damage is essential if you want to maintain healthy foliage and avoid long-term harm.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore who Linnes cicadas are, how they damage trees, and the most effective strategies to safeguard your plants during cicada emergence periods.

Understanding Linnes Cicadas

Linnes cicadas belong to the broader family of periodical cicadas known for their synchronized mass emergences every 13 or 17 years. Unlike annual cicadas that appear every summer, Linnes cicadas emerge in large numbers only during specific years, making these events particularly intense. Their life cycle involves spending most of their lives underground as nymphs feeding on root sap before surfacing as adults to mate.

During the brief adult phase — typically lasting just a few weeks — female Linnes cicadas lay eggs by cutting slits into small twigs and branches of deciduous trees. This egg-laying behavior is the primary cause of damage because it creates wounds that can lead to twig dieback, weakening the tree’s overall structure.

Signs of Linnes Cicada Damage

Before you can protect your trees, it’s important to recognize the signs of cicada damage:

• Flagging Branches: Twigs or small branches with dead leaves at the tips; these appear brown and lifeless while the rest of the tree remains green.
• Egg Scars: Slits or cuts along young branches where females have deposited eggs.
• Branch Dieback: More severe infestations may cause larger branches to wither and die.
• Stunted Growth: Trees under repeated attack might show slower growth and reduced vitality over time.

If you spot these symptoms during or shortly after an emergence event, it’s likely your trees have been affected by Linnes cicadas.

Which Trees Are Most Vulnerable?

Linnes cicadas prefer hardwood deciduous trees with tender young growth where egg-laying is easier. Some commonly affected species include:

• Maples
• Oaks
• Dogwoods
• Hickories
• Fruit trees such as apples and cherries

Young and newly planted trees are particularly vulnerable because their smaller branches can’t withstand the damage as well as mature specimens.

How to Protect Your Trees from Linnes Cicada Damage

Effective protection requires timely action prior to and during cicada emergence periods. Here are several proven methods you can use:

1. Use Physical Barriers (Netting)

One of the best ways to prevent egg-laying by female cicadas is by covering vulnerable trees with fine netting or mesh:

• Choose Fine Netting: Use mesh no larger than 1/4 inch openings to block cicadas but still allow sunlight and air circulation.
• Cover Entire Tree or Branch Groups: Enclose the canopy or focus on smaller, highly vulnerable young trees.
• Install Early: Put nets in place before adult cicadas emerge—typically early spring or late winter in affected regions.
• Secure Tightly: Make sure edges are sealed around trunks and stakes so insects can’t sneak inside.
• Remove After Emergence: Once the brood cycle completes (usually 4–6 weeks), remove netting to avoid stressing trees.

Netting is especially useful for small orchards or individual high-value specimens.

2. Prune Affected Branches

Pruning plays both preventative and remedial roles in managing cicada damage:

• Before Emergence: Remove weak or damaged branches where egg-laying is likely concentrated from prior years.
• During Emergence: Cut and dispose of flagged branches promptly to reduce egg survival and minimize further injury.
• Sanitize Tools: Clean pruning shears between cuts with alcohol or bleach solution to prevent disease spread.

Regular pruning improves overall tree health and resilience against stressors like insect attacks.

3. Maintain Tree Health Through Proper Care

Healthy trees better withstand insect damage than stressed or malnourished ones. Ensure your trees receive:

• Adequate Watering: Deep watering especially during dry spells strengthens roots.
• Balanced Fertilization: Use slow-release fertilizer suited for species type; avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes weak growth.
• Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.
• Pest and Disease Monitoring: Control other pests and pathogens that could compound damage.

A robust tree is more capable of healing wounds caused by egg-laying slits.

4. Chemical Controls: Use With Caution

Chemical treatments should be a last resort due to environmental impact concerns but can be employed if infestations are severe:

• Insecticides Against Adults: Products containing pyrethroids may reduce adult populations if timed precisely at emergence.
• Systemic Insecticides: Soil-applied systemic products absorbed by roots can offer internal protection but must be used according to label directions due to toxicity risks.
• Professional Application Recommended: For large properties or valuable trees, consider hiring licensed pest control professionals familiar with cicada management.

Note that chemical solutions do not guarantee complete prevention but may reduce pressure.

5. Timing Is Critical

Because Linnes cicadas emerge en masse according to predictable cycles, timing your protective efforts around these events maximizes success:

• Monitor local extension services or university entomology departments for predicted emergence years in your region.
• Begin installing netting at least a month before expected adult activity.
• Resume pruning immediately after adults disappear to remove newly laid eggs before hatching occurs.

Proper timing prevents unnecessary effort outside critical windows.

Long-Term Management Strategies

Since Linnes cicada broods reappear only once every 13 or 17 years depending on species, long-term management includes preparation for each cycle:

• Develop a plan for netting installation and removal years ahead.
• Replace vulnerable young trees with more resistant species if appropriate.
• Educate neighbors about communal control efforts since coordinated action reduces overall population density.

Patience and persistence over decades help preserve tree health despite these periodic insect invasions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Linnes Cicada Damage

Q: Will Linnes cicadas kill my tree?
A: Usually no. Most healthy mature trees survive without serious long-term harm. However, repeated heavy damage weakens some specimens, especially young ones.

Q: Can I attract natural predators to control cicadas?
A: Birds like crows, blue jays, and squirrels feed on cicadas but generally don’t reduce populations enough alone. Encouraging biodiversity supports natural checks but isn’t a standalone solution.

Q: Are all cicadas destructive?
A: No. Annual “dog-day” cicadas don’t lay eggs in wood and usually don’t cause branch flagging like periodical species do.

Conclusion

Linnes cicadas are remarkable creatures whose spectacular emergences capture attention but also challenge tree owners due to damaging egg-laying habits. Protecting your trees involves understanding their life cycle, recognizing damage signs early, and implementing timely physical barriers such as fine netting combined with good cultural practices like pruning and maintaining tree vigor.

While chemical controls exist, they should be approached cautiously. With patience through each brood cycle and proactive care strategies, you can minimize harm from these fascinating yet potentially destructive insects while enjoying healthy flourishing trees for years to come.