Tennessee’s diverse landscapes and mild climate make it an ideal home for a wide range of tree species—from majestic oaks and maples to fruit-bearing apple and cherry trees. Unfortunately, that same environment also attracts a long list of destructive pests.
Left untreated, these insects and borers can weaken, deform, or even kill trees entirely. Whether you live in Knoxville, Chattanooga, or anywhere across East Tennessee, learning to identify and manage these common pests can save you time, money, and headaches later.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top tree pests in Tennessee, how to identify them, the damage they cause, and the best methods for getting rid of them safely and effectively.
For severe infestations or pest-related damage, consider contacting professionals like Prees Trees – Tree & Debris Removal for expert help restoring your landscape.
Pests are more than a nuisance. They threaten the structural integrity and long-term health of trees.
Regular inspection and early intervention are essential for keeping trees vibrant, strong, and storm-resistant.
The Emerald Ash Borer is one of Tennessee’s most notorious invasive pests. This metallic green beetle has decimated ash tree populations across the state.
Emerald Ash Borers feed on the inner bark, cutting off the tree’s nutrient and water flow. Infested trees typically die within 2 to 4 years.
If your ash tree shows signs of infestation, prompt action is vital. Severe damage may require Emergency Tree Removal to protect nearby trees and property.
The Southern Pine Beetle is a native pest that targets pine trees, especially loblolly, shortleaf, and Virginia pine. Outbreaks can destroy entire forests if untreated.
The beetles burrow into pine bark, introducing fungus that disrupts water flow. Infestations spread rapidly between trees.
Monitoring pine health regularly during spring and summer helps detect beetles early before widespread damage occurs.
Bagworms are caterpillars that construct small silk bags covered in leaves or twigs. They are especially common on evergreens like junipers, arborvitae, and cedars.
Bagworms feed on leaves and needles, stripping entire sections of a tree. Heavy infestations can cause complete defoliation and death within two seasons.
For full cleanup of defoliated debris, visit Tree & Debris Removal Services in Greenback, TN Serving East TN.
Eastern Tent Caterpillars are among the most noticeable spring pests in Tennessee. They form silken nests in the crotches of tree branches and feed heavily on new foliage.
While trees often recover from one season of defoliation, repeated infestations weaken growth and reduce fruit yield in orchard trees.
Consistent pruning helps limit nesting sites and keeps trees strong enough to recover quickly. Learn proper techniques in Tree Pruning Techniques Every Homeowner Should Know.
Japanese Beetles are small metallic-green insects that feed on a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and garden plants. They are especially damaging to maples, elms, birches, and fruit trees.
Adults feed on leaves and flowers, while larvae (grubs) live in soil feeding on grass roots. Heavy infestations cause both foliage damage and lawn decline.
Japanese beetle activity peaks in late June and July, so early monitoring prevents serious defoliation.
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and undersides of leaves. They are a frequent problem in ornamental and fruit trees.
Aphids weaken trees by sucking sap and reducing photosynthesis. The honeydew they secrete attracts ants and promotes fungal growth.
Frequent monitoring of young shoots during spring helps catch aphids before populations explode.
Scale insects are small, shell-covered pests that attach to bark, leaves, and twigs. They are especially common on maples, oaks, and magnolias.
Scale insects drain sap, causing gradual decline. Severe infestations can kill branches and invite secondary diseases.
Annual dormant oil applications combined with pruning can keep scale insects under control naturally.
Ambrosia Beetles are tiny wood-boring insects that attack stressed or newly planted trees. They bore into trunks and introduce a fungus that blocks water flow.
Infested trees often show symptoms similar to drought stress but decline rapidly even with watering. The fungus they spread is often fatal.
Arborists can identify ambrosia beetle galleries and determine whether removal or treatment is best.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that thrive in hot, dry conditions. They suck plant juices from leaves, leaving trees dull and discolored.
Spider mites cause discoloration and defoliation, particularly in ornamental trees and evergreens. If left unchecked, they can severely weaken the plant.
Maintaining proper watering and pruning helps trees resist mites naturally by strengthening leaf health.
Carpenter ants do not eat wood but hollow it out to create nests inside decaying or damaged trees. They often indicate internal rot or moisture problems.
While carpenter ants rarely kill trees, they accelerate decay and make trunks structurally weak, increasing the risk of falling during storms.
Learn how emergency crews handle dangerous or unstable trees in Emergency Tree Removal: What You Need to Know.
The best pest control strategy is prevention. Healthy, well-maintained trees are far less likely to suffer severe infestations.
Combining preventive care with early pest detection keeps your trees healthy and your property safe year-round.
Q: Are all tree pests active year-round in Tennessee?
No. Many pests, such as beetles and caterpillars, are most active in spring and summer, while others overwinter as larvae or eggs.
Q: Can tree pests spread to nearby trees?
Yes. Many insects fly or crawl between trees, making prompt control essential to stop infestations from spreading.
Q: Should I use chemical pesticides myself?
For small infestations, horticultural oils or soaps may help, but large-scale treatments should be handled by certified professionals.
Tree pests can cause extensive damage if left unchecked, but with the right knowledge and preventive measures, you can keep your landscape thriving.
Key takeaways:
If your property shows signs of pest damage or you suspect infestation, contact Prees Trees – Tree & Debris Removal. Their experts can inspect, treat, and restore your trees to full health, keeping your landscape safe throughout every season.