Late Summer Tree & Shrub Care

Preparing for the Transition to Fall

Introduction

July is prime time for Japanese beetles, scale insects, and mites—and they can do serious damage if left unchecked. The good news? With smart monitoring and targeted treatment, you don’t need to over-spray your landscape.

Here’s what to look for and how to handle summer pest problems the smart way.

1️⃣ Japanese Beetles Are Active Now

These shiny green beetles feed on the foliage of dozens of plant species, leaving a lace-like skeleton of the leaf behind.

Watch for:

Groups of beetles feeding in the morning or late afternoon
Skeletonized leaves on linden, birch, crabapple, roses, and others
Damage that worsens daily

🚫 Avoid using traps—they can attract more beetles than they catch.

2️⃣ Scale Insects Are in Their Vulnerable Stage

Many scale species hatch in July and are easiest to treat now.

Look for:

Small, soft-bodied crawlers on stems and branches
Honeydew or black sooty mold
Leaf yellowing or branch dieback

We often use horticultural oil or insect growth regulators for scale—less toxic, more targeted.

3️⃣ Spider Mite Populations Spike in Heat

These tiny pests thrive in dry, dusty conditions.

Signs include:

Fine webbing on leaf undersides
Stippled or bronzed foliage
Premature leaf drop

💧 Mites hate moisture—sometimes a change in watering or rinsing foliage can make a big difference.

4️⃣ Treat Smart, Not Heavy

We focus on:
✔ Inspecting before spraying
✔ Using selective, reduced-risk products
✔ Avoiding harm to pollinators and beneficial insects
✔ Following life cycles for best timing