4 Utah Tree Pests and Diseases to Watch for This Fall (and How to Stop Them)

As fall settles into Utah, it’s not just the cooler weather and falling leaves that demand attention — pests and diseases are gearing up for winter, and they can do significant harm to your trees if left unchecked. During this time, many insects and fungi prepare to overwinter in Utah’s environment, where they will continue to cause damage to trees and shrubs through the colder months. But with the right preventative measures, you can protect your landscape and ensure that your trees come out of winter healthy and strong. Here’s a look at four key pests and diseases to watch for, and what you can do to stop them.

1. IPS Beetle – Why Late Summer/Early Fall Treatments Are Critical

The IPS beetle is one of the most destructive pests for trees in Utah, especially during late summer and early fall. These beetles attack trees, particularly mature spruce trees, that are already stressed due to factors like drought or poor health. The beetles lay eggs in the bark, and when the larvae hatch, they tunnel under the bark, cutting off water and nutrient flow within the tree. By the time you notice wilting or dying branches, the damage is often already severe.

Late summer and early fall are crucial times to treat for IPS beetles. Preventive treatments are more effective during this period, as they prevent the beetles from laying eggs and infesting your trees. If you catch the issue early, your trees will have a much better chance of surviving the winter and regaining strength in the spring.

2. Scale Insects – How to Spot and Treat Before Dormancy

Scale insects are another common pest found in Utah during the fall. These small, immobile insects attach themselves to tree bark and suck out nutrients from the tree. Although a few individual insects may not cause harm, large infestations can weaken a tree and make it more susceptible to other pests and diseases. They tend to appear on trees like maples, oaks, and fruit trees.

To spot scale insects, look for small, raised bumps or hard, waxy coverings on the bark. Early detection is essential because once these insects are dormant for the winter, they become much harder to treat. Using targeted insecticidal treatments before the insects go dormant will help protect your trees from future damage.

3. Anthracnose – Fall Clean-Up and Treatment Timing

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that mainly affects sycamores and London Plane trees. It causes dark, sunken lesions on leaves, which can lead to premature leaf drop. Anthracnose is most active in wet, cool weather, which is why it can be a concern during Utah’s autumn season.

Preventing anthracnose starts with proper fall clean-up. Remove any fallen leaves and infected branches to prevent the fungus from overwintering and spreading. Fungicides can also be applied through macro trunk injections before the disease takes hold, especially if you've noticed early signs in your trees. Consistent care through the fall will help reduce the risk of a widespread infection that could weaken your trees throughout the colder months.

4. Powdery Mildew – How to Prevent This Common Fungal Issue

Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that often affects trees during the fall. It appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems, typically in humid conditions. Trees such as lilacs, roses, and apples are particularly susceptible to powdery mildew. While it usually doesn’t kill a tree outright, it weakens the tree by affecting its ability to photosynthesize, leading to poor growth and stunted development.

The best way to prevent powdery mildew is to apply fungicides in the early stages, especially if your trees have shown signs of the disease in previous seasons. Cleaning up infected plant material at the end of the growing season can also help reduce the amount of fungal spores that overwinter in your landscape.

Preventive Strategies – Injections, Bark Sprays, and Soil Drenches

Prevention is key when it comes to protecting your trees from pests and diseases, and at Utah Tree Care Pros, we specialize in proactive solutions that help safeguard your trees throughout the fall season. By addressing potential 

issues before they become serious problems, we help ensure that your trees remain strong, healthy, and resilient. Here are the services we offer to protect your trees from pests and diseases:

• Tree Injections
  Our tree injections are a highly effective way to directly treat your trees at the ground level. We apply systemic pesticide or fungicide injections directly into the tree's trunk. This method allows for efficient absorption of essential nutrients while simultaneously providing targeted protection against pests like the destructive IPS beetles. 

• Bark Sprays
  For pests that reside on the surface of your trees, such as scale insects and aphids, we use targeted bark sprays. These treatments are applied directly to the bark of your trees to create a protective barrier. The sprays help prevent pest infestations that can weaken your trees, especially as they prepare to endure the harsher conditions of winter. Bark sprays are an excellent way to stop problems before they start and maintain the health of your trees year-round.

• Deep Root Soil Injection
  Deep Root Soil Injections can be an essential part of keeping your trees healthy and disease-free. We apply treatment directly to the soil around the root zone of your trees, allowing the solution to be absorbed where it’s needed most. This treatment is particularly beneficial in preventing fungal diseases and promoting strong root development. With healthier soil, your trees can better fight off disease and recover from stress, ensuring that they continue to thrive through every season.

Why Local Expertise Matters – Utah-Specific Timing and Species Susceptibility

Utah's distinct climate and soil conditions present unique challenges for tree health, and understanding these factors is essential for providing the best care. The state’s dry climate, combined with alkaline and nutrient-poor soils, creates an environment that can be particularly tough on trees. As a result, pests and diseases can quickly weaken trees, making them more susceptible to long-term damage if not addressed in a timely and efficient manner.

1. The Impact of Utah’s Climate on Tree Health

The extreme temperature fluctuations and limited rainfall can stress trees, especially when they are already struggling to absorb nutrients from the soil. The alkaline nature of Utah’s soil often prevents trees from properly absorbing vital minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium. This makes trees more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies, which can, in turn, make them more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

2. Timing Is Critical for Pest Control

The key to successful pest and disease management lies in timing. In Utah, different pests and diseases are active at different times of the year, and knowing when to act is crucial. For example, some pests, like the IPS beetle, are most active during late summer and early fall, while others, like scale insects, may begin their life cycles in the spring. If treatments are applied too early or too late, they may not be as effective.

3. The Importance of Targeted Treatments

At Utah Tree Care Pros, we take the time to understand the specific needs of each tree species in Utah. We know which species are more prone to certain pests and diseases. For example, certain trees are more susceptible to conditions like iron chlorosis due to the high pH in the soil, while others may be more vulnerable to bark beetles or fungal diseases. Our team uses this local knowledge to determine the best time to apply treatments, ensuring maximum effectiveness.

Our approach includes adjusting care for Utah’s unique climate. For instance, we use targeted pest control measures in the fall to prevent pests like fall webworms and aphids from overwintering. We also focus on applying preventative treatments before trees enter their dormant phase, giving them the best chance to resist winter stress and emerging diseases in the spring.

Why Local Expertise Is Essential for Tree Health

Utah’s climate and ecosystem are unlike those of other regions, which is why local expertise is essential in tree care. Trees in different parts of the state may face slightly different environmental conditions, and the pests and diseases they encounter may vary based on location, altitude, and soil composition. Our team at Utah Tree Care Pros is familiar with these variations, ensuring that the care we provide is tailored to your specific needs.

With our knowledge of Utah’s tree species and the pests and diseases they face, we can effectively protect your trees year-round. Our focus on timing and targeted treatments ensures your trees are healthier, stronger, and more resilient to the challenges Utah’s climate throws their way.

Schedule Your Fall Pest Prevention Before They Settle in for Winter

Fall is the perfect time to take action against pests and diseases that threaten the health of your trees. At Utah Tree Care Pros, we offer proactive pest and disease prevention services designed to keep your landscape looking its best and your trees strong and healthy.

Contact us today to schedule your fall pest prevention service, and give your trees the best chance to thrive through the colder months.

📞 Call Utah Tree Care Pros at (801) 870-0164
🌐 Visit utahTreeCare.com to learn more about our pest and disease prevention services.