Knowledgebase
cicadas #745905
Asked April 23, 2021, 2:29 PM EDT
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi David,
The very short answer to your question is YES!
Cicadas will not harm an established, mature tree, but newly planted young trees are vulnerable. The female looks for branches 1/4 - 3/4 inches in diameter to lay her eggs. The female burrows into the branch creating a trench which will kill the branch. If enough branches are killed, the tree will not survive.
If you plant now, you should net the trees with netting that has 3/8 inch (1 cm) holes.
Thanks for contacting us,
Judy
Judy – thanks for the quick reply – Actually I forgot my exact question – I know it was about new cicadas/tree planting. From what I read it seems rather than planting with the netting, just wait till fall or next year. Your opinion? And , in general, better to plant trees in the fall or spring?
Thanks again.
From: Ask Extension [mailto:<personal data hidden>]
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2021 11:23 AM
To: david schallich
Subject: Re: cicadas (#0015836)
David,
I would wait until fall to plant your trees. Fall is optimal for planting trees and shrubs.
Judy