06/16/2026
Tree Tip Tuesday: Top 3 Tree Pests in Southeast Michigan Homeowners Should Watch For
Tree health in Southeast Michigan is constantly under pressure from destructive insects that can spread quickly if left untreated. Here are three of the most common pests impacting local landscapes right now:
• Emerald Ash Borer – One of the most damaging tree pests in Michigan history, targeting ash trees and often causing rapid decline
• Spongy Moth (formerly Gypsy Moth) – Known for defoliating oaks and weakening trees through repeated feeding cycles
• Japanese Beetle – Feeds on leaves of many common trees and shrubs, leaving skeletonized foliage behind
Early detection is key. If you’re noticing thinning canopies, chewed leaves, or unusual browning, it may be time to have your trees treated before the damage spreads.