Is your red maple looking dark and gloomy? Has it been showing signs of stress such as stunted growth, canopy dieback, and breaking limbs? Your tree could be suffering with an infestation of gloomy scale, which is a common ailment that is increasingly affecting many red maple trees planted in residential and commercial areas.
An Unseen Threat
Gloomy scale is a tiny round insect covered by a hard dark gray or black shell-like covering (called a test) that blends well with the gray colored bark on red maple trees. It frequently goes unnoticed when it first starts to attack trees, but over time infestations can completely cover large portions of a tree’s trunk and branches. The bark will appear bumpy, charred and black, making the tree appear dark and “gloomy”.
How does gloomy scale harm trees?
Gloomy scale insects have microscopically tiny needle-like mouthparts which they use to penetrate tree bark and suck out the contents of living cells that grow in the inner layers. These cells - called parenchyma cells – store energy and nutrients for the tree. By feeding on these cells, the scale insects rob the tree of its energy reserves that it needs to grow and stay healthy. The insect also injects toxins into the tree through its saliva as it feeds, which can further weaken it. Over time heavy infestations will cause stunted growth, twig and branch dieback, and eventual death of the tree. This not only threatens the loss of the tree but also potentially poses tree and branch failure risks which could endanger nearby property.
How do you treat gloomy scale?
If you see and suspect gloomy scale on your red maple tree, the first thing to do is call your local Monster Tree Service and set up a consultation appointment with one of our expert arborists. The arborist will confirm the identification of the insect and assess other conditions that may be affecting the tree, as well as prescribe a care program to treat the insect and aid the tree in its recovery. The program may include:
A treatment plan that specifically targets the pest with the lowest level of environmental impact.
A Soil Health Program package will amend and rebuild your tree’s soil so that it will hold more water and make more needed nutrients available. This will give the tree more strength and energy to fight off the infestation and resist other secondary disease infections.
A Root Collar Excavation is a non-invasive procedure that exposes strangling and conflicting roots that commonly grow around the bases of red maple trees. These root issues cause significant stress that makes trees more prone to gloomy scale attacks. Once problematic roots are exposed, they can be pruned away which will free the tree to absorb and circulate more water and nutrients.
Things you can do to help and prevent gloomy scale infestation
Gloomy scale is especially prevalent in areas that frequently experience summer heat and drought conditions. To keep your red maples healthy and prevent gloomy scale infestations, here are some tips:
Locate your tree away from paved areas. The reflective heat of streets, sidewalks and walkways makes red maples especially prone to infestations.
Water your tree when it is hot and dry. Supplemental watering or using an irrigation system will help a tree with gloomy scale. Irrigation bags such as tree gators and tree hydration mats can also aid a drought stressed tree to prevent and ward off infestation.
Mulch your tree properly. Organic mulch or arborist wood chips help conserve soil moisture as well as cool and protect your tree’s roots. Apply mulch in a ring around your tree that extends a few inches from the base of the tree to the dripline. A mulch layer just 2-3 inches deep is all that your tree needs. Do not layer the mulch too deeply and avoid piling against the trunk.
Put your trust in professional tree care and planting services to keep your red maples healthy.
Healthy trees are less prone to pest attacks, diseases and other health issues. Professional tree health care services overseen by our expert arborists ensure that your red maple trees resist gloomy scale attacks and stay healthy and beautiful. Your Monster Tree Service arborist is always available to answer any questions you may have about gloomy scale, other pest and disease issues, general tree care, and tree planting. Remember we are your neighbors, we know your trees, and we care for the trees on your property as if they were our own!