Every 13 years, large broods of periodical cicadas emerge from the ground in a spectacular natural event that captivates gardeners, farmers, and nature enthusiasts alike. While these cicadas are fascinating creatures with a unique life cycle, their mass emergence can pose a threat to plants, especially young trees and shrubs. If you’re preparing for the next 13-year cicada outbreak, it’s essential to understand how to protect your plants without harming the environment.

In this article, we’ll explore practical and effective tips for safeguarding your garden and landscape plants from 13-year periodical cicadas.

Understanding 13-Year Periodical Cicadas

Before diving into protection strategies, it’s important to grasp what makes 13-year periodical cicadas unique:

• Life Cycle: These cicadas spend 13 years underground as nymphs, feeding on root xylem.
• Mass Emergence: After 13 years, they emerge en masse for a few weeks to mate and lay eggs on tree branches.
• Egg Laying Damage: Female cicadas use their ovipositors to cut small slits in young branches, depositing eggs inside. This can cause “flagging” – the wilting and dieback of branches.
• Non-Harmful to Mature Trees: Mature trees usually recover quickly from egg-laying damage, but young trees and shrubs can suffer significant harm or even mortality.

With this knowledge, protecting vulnerable plants mainly involves preventing or minimizing egg-laying damage during the emergence period.

Tip 1: Identify Vulnerable Plants Early

Not all plants require protection during cicada emergence. Focus on:

• Young Trees and Shrubs: Plants less than 5 years old are most susceptible.
• Fruit Trees: Apple, peach, cherry, and other orchard trees can be affected.
• Ornamental Trees: Redbuds, dogwoods, maples, and other decorative species often suffer damage.
• Small Branches: Cicadas prefer cutting slits on branches less than 1/2 inch in diameter.

By identifying which plants are at risk ahead of time, you can prioritize your protective efforts efficiently.

Tip 2: Use Physical Barriers (Netting or Mesh)

The most effective way to protect plants is by physically blocking cicadas from laying eggs on branches.

How to Use Netting:

• Material: Use fine mesh netting with holes smaller than 1/4 inch. Lightweight garden fabric or nylon mesh works well.
• Coverage: Cover the entire plant or vulnerable branches completely before cicadas emerge.
• Timing: Install netting as soon as you notice nymphs emerging or just before peak emergence.
• Duration: Keep netting in place for approximately 4–6 weeks until adults die off naturally.

Tips for Best Results:

• Secure edges thoroughly with ties or staples to prevent cicadas from slipping in.
• Avoid using plastic sheeting that reduces airflow; mesh allows light and air penetration.
• For larger trees where full coverage is impractical, focus on protecting young growth or the lower canopy.

Physical barriers are chemical-free and do not disturb beneficial insects or birds.

Tip 3: Delay Pruning Until After Cicada Season

Pruning stimulates new growth that is especially attractive to egg-laying females. To reduce damage:

• Avoid major pruning in the spring when cicadas are active.
• If pruning is necessary, wait until after cicada emergence concludes.
• Remove damaged “flagged” branches carefully after egg-laying ends to promote healthy regrowth.

Waiting prevents exposing fresh tender shoots during the vulnerable period.

Tip 4: Water and Fertilize Appropriately

While watering and fertilizing won’t stop cicadas from laying eggs, maintaining healthy vigorous plants helps them recover faster from damage:

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Apply balanced fertilizer appropriate for your plant species in early spring before emergence.
• Mulch around tree bases to retain moisture and regulate temperature.

Healthy plants can better withstand stress caused by egg-laying injury.

Tip 5: Use Organic Insecticides with Caution

Insecticides have limited effectiveness against adult cicadas due to their short lifespan and large numbers. Most experts recommend avoiding chemical sprays because they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators during this critical time.

If you decide to use insecticides:

• Choose organic options like neem oil or insecticidal soap applied directly to affected branches.
• Apply only when adults are actively feeding or mating—not as a preventive measure.
• Follow label instructions carefully to minimize environmental impact.

Generally, physical barriers combined with cultural controls provide better results than relying solely on insecticides.

Tip 6: Protect Newly Planted Trees by Timing Planting Properly

If you’re planting new trees or shrubs near a known brood area:

• Avoid planting just before anticipated emergence years.
• Plant several months after cicada activity subsides to give seedlings a better chance of establishing without egg-laying stress.
• Consider species less favored by cicadas if possible (though preferences vary).

Proper timing reduces initial vulnerability at critical growth stages.

Tip 7: Encourage Natural Predators

Although cicadas appear in overwhelming numbers during emergence years, natural predators such as birds, squirrels, raccoons, spiders, and predatory insects consume many adults. To support this natural control:

• Provide bird feeders or nesting boxes nearby.
• Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill predatory insects.
• Maintain diverse landscapes with native plants to support wildlife habitats.

Natural predation won’t eliminate cicadas but helps reduce their population density slightly.

Tip 8: Educate Neighbors and Community Members

Cicada emergences cover broad geographic areas. Coordinating protective efforts among neighbors can improve overall plant safety:

• Share information about the timing of predicted emergences.
• Encourage collective use of netting on community gardens or shared orchards.
• Discuss sustainable control practices that protect beneficial species.

Community awareness fosters proactive preparation rather than reactive damage control.

Tip 9: Monitor Emergence Maps and Scientific Updates

Organizations such as university extension services and entomology departments track periodical cicada broods closely. Stay informed about:

• Expected emergence dates
• Geographic spread of broods
• Recommended local protection measures

Monitoring reliable sources allows you to plan ahead rather than being caught unprepared.

Tip 10: Understand When Damage Is Not Severe

It’s important not to panic when you see some branch flagging. Many mature deciduous trees tolerate cicada egg-laying with minimal long-term harm. Overreacting by excessive pruning or chemical use may do more damage than cicadas themselves.

For many gardeners:

• Minor flagging is cosmetic
• Trees leaf out normally the following year
• Ongoing care will restore plant health quickly

Understanding this helps balance intervention efforts with letting nature take its course responsibly.

Conclusion

The return of the 13-year periodical cicadas is a rare event that fascinates nature lovers worldwide but poses challenges for gardeners caring for vulnerable young plants. By understanding their life cycle and behavior, you can implement practical strategies such as physical netting barriers, proper pruning timing, maintaining plant health, and coordinating community efforts to minimize damage effectively.

Remember these key points:

• Focus protection on young trees and shrubs
• Use fine mesh netting installed early as your primary defense
• Delay pruning till after emergence
• Keep plants well-watered and fed for rapid recovery
• Avoid heavy insecticide usage
• Stay informed through extension services for local updates

With careful preparation and thoughtful care, your garden can weather the spectacle of the periodical cicada emergence while preserving plant health for seasons to come.