What is eating my tree? - Ask Extension
I noticed these worms are eating a tree in my yard. Should I have someone exterminate them? Are they very dangerous? Someone mentioned tent worms.
Knowledgebase
What is eating my tree? #581201
Asked July 18, 2019, 7:14 AM EDT
I noticed these worms are eating a tree in my yard. Should I have someone exterminate them? Are they very dangerous? Someone mentioned tent worms.
Carroll County Maryland
Expert Response
There are several different types of caterpillars that one might find feeding in trees at this time of year. Fall webworms and other species are actively feeding now. They are not dangerous and mature trees can generally sustain some feeding damage and be just fine. Their feeding is temporary. You don't need to exterminate them. Caterpillars make good bird food and do have a place in the environment.
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/fall-webworm-trees
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/caterpillars-trees
More concerning is that your tree appears to be heavily covered with a viney plant. This can block the sunlight from reaching your tree and can lead to its decline over time. I encourage you to remove the viney plant. Generally, this is best done by cutting/treating it at the base and eventually the vine foliage will die/drop out.
Christa
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/fall-webworm-trees
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/caterpillars-trees
More concerning is that your tree appears to be heavily covered with a viney plant. This can block the sunlight from reaching your tree and can lead to its decline over time. I encourage you to remove the viney plant. Generally, this is best done by cutting/treating it at the base and eventually the vine foliage will die/drop out.
Christa
