Tips for Protecting Young Trees from Apache Cicada Damage

Young trees are particularly vulnerable to a variety of environmental stresses and pests, including the notorious Apache cicada. These insects, while fascinating in their life cycle and behavior, can cause significant damage to newly planted or immature trees. Understanding how to protect young trees from Apache cicada damage is crucial for gardeners, landscapers, and anyone invested in maintaining healthy tree growth.

In this article, we will explore who the Apache cicadas are, the types of damage they cause, and practical, effective tips to protect your young trees from their potential harm.

Understanding Apache Cicadas

Apache cicadas are a species of cicada native to certain regions in the southwestern United States. They are known for their loud calls and distinctive appearance. Like other cicadas, they spend most of their life underground as nymphs feeding on root sap before emerging as adults to mate and lay eggs.

The emergence period can vary but often coincides with late spring to early summer. During this time, adult female cicadas lay eggs by inserting them into small slits in tree branches. This egg-laying behavior can cause physical damage called “flagging” where twigs die back due to injury.

How Apache Cicadas Damage Young Trees

While mature trees generally tolerate cicada activity without lasting harm, young or newly transplanted trees face greater risks:

• Twig Dieback (Flagging): Female cicadas create slits in small branches to deposit eggs. These cuts often cause the ends of these twigs to die and drop off.
• Reduced Growth: Extensive damage can reduce the energy reserves of a young tree, slowing its growth.
• Increased Vulnerability: Damaged branches may become entry points for fungi or other pests.
• Stress on Tree Health: Repeated infestations weaken young trees making them less resilient against drought and disease.

Protecting young trees during cicada emergence years is therefore essential for long-term tree health.

Tips for Protecting Young Trees from Apache Cicada Damage

1. Use Physical Barriers

One of the most effective ways to prevent female cicadas from laying eggs on tree branches is by physically excluding them:

• Fine Mesh Netting: Cover young trees with fine mesh netting or insect barrier fabric during the peak cicada emergence period (usually 4-6 weeks). Use netting with mesh size small enough (around 1/8 inch) to prevent cicadas from penetrating.
• Secure Coverage: Ensure that the netting covers all branches completely and is anchored well at the base so no insects can crawl underneath.
• Timing: Install netting just before adults emerge and remove it once the egg-laying period concludes to allow normal growth and photosynthesis.

This method prevents direct physical damage and is chemical-free.

2. Prune Damaged Branches

After emergence and egg-laying have ended:

• Inspect your young trees for any twig flagging caused by cicada egg slits.
• Prune out damaged or dead twigs below the injury point using clean, sharp pruning tools.

Removing damaged branches helps prevent secondary infections and encourages healthy new growth.

3. Maintain Tree Health

Healthy trees better withstand environmental stress and pest damage. Support your young trees by:

• Watering Adequately: Provide regular deep watering especially during dry spells.
• Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base (but not touching trunks) to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Fertilizing Properly: Use balanced fertilizers according to soil tests or guidelines to ensure optimal nutrition.
• Avoiding Injury: Be careful when mowing or weeding near young trees to avoid bark damage.

Stressed or nutrient-deficient trees are more susceptible to prolonged effects of cicada damage.

4. Use Insecticides Judiciously

Chemical control should be a last resort due to potential impacts on beneficial insects and pollinators:

• If damage is severe and other methods are impractical, systemic insecticides targeting cicada nymphs may be applied before adult emergence.
• Contact insecticides can provide some protection but require precise timing as adult cicadas only live above ground briefly.
• Always follow label instructions carefully and consider consulting a professional arborist or extension service before use.

Natural predators such as birds often help reduce cicada populations over time.

5. Choose Resistant Tree Species When Possible

Some tree species tolerate cicada activity better than others. When planting new trees in areas prone to Apache cicadas:

• Research local species that show resilience against twig flagging.
• Native species adapted to regional insect pressures may require less intervention.

Consult your local extension office for recommendations suited to your region.

6. Timing Your Plantings

If feasible, avoid planting very young trees right before known large cyclical emergences of Apache cicadas:

• Delay planting until after peak activity years if you know the periodicity of local cicada broods.
• This reduces exposure during vulnerable early growth stages.

7. Encourage Natural Predators

Promote a balanced ecosystem around your property:

• Provide habitat for birds that feed on adult cicadas.
• Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficial insects.

Natural predation helps keep cicada populations in check over time.

Conclusion

Apache cicadas, though fascinating insects, pose real challenges for young tree care due to their egg-laying behaviors which cause twig dieback and stress. Protecting your young trees through physical barriers like fine mesh netting, diligent pruning, maintaining overall tree health, selective use of insecticides, choosing resistant species, timing plantings well, and encouraging natural predators will reduce damage significantly.

By implementing these proactive measures during known emergence periods, you can safeguard your investment in young trees, helping them grow stronger, healthier, and more resilient for years to come.

Remember: Each region varies in its timing and intensity of Apache cicada outbreaks. Stay informed through local extension services or arborist advice tailored to your area for best results in managing these unique insects effectively.