Protecting Your Trees from Silent Threats
Your trees are a valuable part of your property, but they can be vulnerable to a variety of pests and diseases that can quietly cause serious damage. Insects like the emerald ash borer and fungal diseases common in Central Illinois can weaken a tree from the inside out, often before you even notice there’s a problem.
At B&L Tree Service, we provide proactive pest and disease control to protect your investment and keep your trees healthy and strong for years to come. We help homeowners across Mattoon and the surrounding communities identify and manage these threats before they lead to irreversible damage.
Common Tree Health Threats in Central Illinois
With over 20 years of experience in the area, we’ve seen it all. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases we encounter on local properties:
Common Pests:
- Emerald Ash Borer (EAB): A destructive beetle that bores into ash trees, quickly leading to their decline and death.
- Japanese Beetle: Feeds on the leaves of hundreds of species of trees and shrubs, leaving them with a skeleton-like appearance.
- Bagworms: These caterpillars create distinctive silk bags and can rapidly defoliate evergreens and other trees.
- Scale Insects & Aphids: Small, sap-sucking insects that weaken trees, leading to distorted growth and a sticky residue called honeydew.
Common Diseases:
- Oak Wilt: A deadly fungal disease that affects oak trees, causing rapid wilting and death. It is a serious threat in every Illinois county.
- Dutch Elm Disease: A severe fungal disease spread by bark beetles that is devastating to American elms.
- Anthracnose: A common fungus that causes unsightly leaf spots and blotches on trees like maples and sycamores, especially in wet spring weather.
- Fungal Leaf Spots: A variety of fungi that create spots and blotches on leaves, weakening the tree over time.
Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional
Catching a problem early is the key to saving a tree. Call us for a consultation if you notice any of these common warning signs:
- Discolored or Wilting Leaves: Are leaves turning yellow, browning, or wilting during the growing season?
- Premature Leaf Drop: Are leaves falling off the tree much earlier than they should in the fall?
- Bark Abnormalities: Do you see dead, sunken areas (cankers), unusual sap flow, or fine, sawdust-like material (frass) on the bark?
- Thinning Foliage: Is the canopy of the tree looking thinner than it used to, or are there dead branches at the top?
- Visible Pests or Residue: Have you spotted insects, chewed leaves, or a sticky black residue (honeydew) on the leaves or branches?
Our Pest & Disease Management Process
We take a systematic approach to diagnosing and treating tree health issues.
- Thorough Inspection & Diagnosis: We start with a detailed inspection of your trees to identify any signs of stress, insect activity, or disease. Our experience with local tree species helps us quickly diagnose the specific issue.
- Clear Explanation & Treatment Plan: Once we identify the problem, we’ll explain it to you in plain English. We’ll then recommend a targeted treatment plan, explaining the options, the process, and what you can expect.
- Effective & Responsible Treatment: We use proven, effective treatments and application methods designed to target the specific pest or disease while being responsible for the surrounding environment.
- Ongoing Monitoring & Advice: After treatment, we can provide advice on how to monitor your tree’s health and recommend best practices for watering and care to help it build a strong natural defense.
The B&L Tree Service Difference
When it comes to the health of your trees, you need a team that knows what to look for.
- Knowledge of Local Threats: We have over 20 years of experience working with the specific pests and diseases that affect trees in the Mattoon area. We know the signs and we know what works.
- An Honest, Proactive Approach: We believe in saving trees whenever possible. We’ll give you an honest assessment and will never recommend a treatment that isn’t necessary.
- Fully Insured for Your Peace of Mind: You can have complete confidence when we’re on your property. Our services are fully insured to protect you and your home.
Our Full Range of Tree Care Services
We offer a complete range of services to keep your property safe and beautiful:
- Tree Removal: Safe and strategic removal of hazardous or unwanted trees.
- Stump Grinding: Remove leftover stumps to reclaim your yard space.
- Pruning and Trimming: Maintain the health and appearance of your trees.
- 24/7 Emergency Services: We’re here for you when storms strike.
Get a Free Tree Health Consultation
If you’re worried about the health of a tree on your property, don’t wait. Call us today at 217-234-2774 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.