Spotted Lanternfly Threatens Bronx Trees

The Bronx’s urban forest is facing a new threat: the spotted lanternfly (SLF). Native to Asia, this invasive pest has been rapidly spreading across the northeastern United States, and it has now made its way to our beloved borough. The SLF poses a significant risk to our trees, agriculture, and natural ecosystems. Understanding this pest and taking action is crucial to protect our green spaces.

Identifying the Spotted Lanternfly: A Visual Guide

The spotted lanternfly undergoes distinct life stages, each with unique characteristics:

• Egg Masses: During the fall and winter, female SLFs lay masses of 30-50 eggs, which are covered in a mud-like or grayish substance. These masses can be found on tree trunks, rocks, outdoor furniture, vehicles, and other surfaces.

Credit: SILive

Lanternfly eggs that have hatched. Credit: New York State Parks blog

• Nymphs: In spring, the eggs hatch into nymphs, which are initially black with white spots. As they mature, they turn to red patches and eventually reach about half an inch in length.
• Adults: Adult spotted lanternflies are about an inch long and have striking features. Their forewings are light brown with black spots, while their hindwings are vibrant red with black spots. They are most active in late summer and fall.

Recognizing the Signs of a Lanternfly Infestation

In addition to spotting the insects themselves, look out for these telltale signs:

• Honeydew: A sugary, sticky substance secreted by SLFs as they feed. It can coat leaves and branches, attracting ants and other insects.
• Sooty Mold: A black fungus grows on the honeydew, inhibiting photosynthesis and harming tree health.
• Weeping Wounds: Trees may ooze sap from wounds caused by SLF feeding.

Trees at Risk to the Lanternfly in the Bronx

While the spotted lanternfly is known to feed on a wide variety of plants, it has a particular preference for the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive tree species unfortunately common in our area. However, the SLF also poses a threat to many other trees that contribute to the Bronx’s urban canopy, including:

• Maples: Red maple, silver maple, sugar maple
• Black Walnut
• Willows: Weeping willow, black willow
• Fruit trees: Apple, cherry, peach, plum
• Other trees: River birch, poplar, tulip tree

SLF feeding weakens trees, making them more susceptible to diseases and other pests. In severe infestations, trees can experience defoliation, branch dieback, and even death.

Taking Action: What You Can Do

Protecting our trees from the spotted lanternfly requires a community-wide effort. Here’s how you can contribute:

1. Report Sightings: If you see a spotted lanternfly in any life stage, report it immediately to the New York City Parks Department or the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. They rely on public reports to track the spread of this pest and implement control measures.
2. Inspect Your Property: Regularly check your trees, shrubs, and outdoor surfaces for signs of the spotted lanternfly. Pay close attention to the undersides of leaves and branches.
3. Destroy Egg Masses: If you find egg masses, scrape them off using a credit card or similar tool. Seal them in a plastic bag with hand sanitizer or alcohol and dispose of them.
4. Tree Banding: Apply sticky bands around tree trunks to trap nymphs as they crawl upwards. Be sure to check and replace bands regularly.
5. Limit Spread: Avoid moving firewood or other outdoor items that could harbor spotted lanternfly eggs to new areas.

The Importance of Professional Help

While individual actions are crucial, professional expertise is often necessary to effectively manage spotted lanternfly infestations. Tree Company Bronx is dedicated to safeguarding the health and beauty of trees in our community. Our experienced arborists are knowledgeable about the spotted lanternfly and offer a range of services, including:

• Thorough inspections to assess infestation levels
• Targeted treatment plans using environmentally responsible methods
• Preventative measures to protect your trees

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Tree Company Bronx today to learn more about how we can help you safeguard your trees against the spotted lanternfly threat. Together, we can protect the Bronx’s precious urban forest for generations to come.