How Can I Protect My Trees from Cicadas in Newton?

If you've started hearing the unmistakable buzz of cicadas around your Newton neighborhood, you may be wondering whether your trees are at risk. While cicadas are a natural part of the ecosystem and don't eat leaves or bore into trunks, they can still damage young and newly planted trees during their egg-laying season.

The good news is that most healthy, mature trees recover without lasting problems. However, younger trees with thin branches are much more vulnerable and may require extra protection. Knowing what to look for—and taking the right preventive steps—can help minimize damage and keep your landscape healthy.

Here's what every Newton homeowner should know about protecting trees from cicadas and when professional tree care may be the best solution.

Key Takeaways

• Cicadas do not eat leaves, but female cicadas can damage young branches when laying eggs.
• Newly planted and young trees are the most vulnerable during cicada emergence.
• Protective netting is one of the most effective ways to prevent egg-laying on small trees.
• Healthy trees recover faster, making proper watering, mulching, and pruning essential.
• Avoid unnecessary insecticide applications, as they rarely provide effective control.
• A professional tree inspection can identify damage early and recommend the right treatment before problems worsen.

What Are Cicadas?

Cicadas are insects that spend most of their lives underground feeding on fluids from tree roots. Depending on the species, they remain beneath the soil for 13 or 17 years before emerging in large numbers to mate.

After emerging, adult cicadas live only a few weeks. During this short period, females lay eggs inside small tree branches before completing their life cycle.

Unlike many other tree pests, cicadas do not feed on leaves, bark, or wood. The primary concern is the small cuts females make in young branches while depositing their eggs.

How Do Cicadas Damage Trees?

The damage occurs when female cicadas cut narrow slits into young branches to lay their eggs.

These cuts can weaken branches, causing them to bend, split, or break. This condition is commonly known as flagging, where branch tips turn brown and die back after the eggs hatch.

Although established trees generally recover well, young trees may experience:

• Broken branch tips
• Slower growth
• Misshapen canopy development
• Increased stress during hot weather
• Greater susceptibility to diseases and other pests

If your landscape includes trees planted within the past three years, protecting them during cicada season is especially important.

Which Trees in Newton Are Most at Risk?

Cicadas prefer young branches on a wide variety of deciduous trees commonly found throughout Newton.

Some of the most vulnerable include:

• Maple
• Oak
• Dogwood
• Apple
• Cherry
• Birch
• Redbud
• Serviceberry
• Crabapple
• Elm

Newly planted ornamental and shade trees are generally more susceptible than mature specimens because of their thinner, more flexible branches.

Tip: If you've recently invested in a new lawn care treatment, protecting those young trees should be a priority during cicada emergence. You can contact Jon Sneider for expert lawn care in Newton, MA and plant health care in Newton, MA.

Signs Your Trees May Have Cicada Damage

Not every dying branch is caused by cicadas, but these warning signs often indicate egg-laying activity.

1. Brown Branch Tips: Small branches begin turning brown while the rest of the canopy remains healthy.
2. Broken or Hanging Twigs: Damaged branches may bend or snap, especially after windy weather.
3. Rows of Small Slits: Female cicadas leave evenly spaced cuts along young branches where eggs were deposited.
4. Fallen Twigs Beneath the Tree: You may notice numerous small branch tips scattered beneath the canopy.
5. Reduced New Growth: Young trees may produce fewer healthy shoots after heavy cicada activity.

Methods to Protect Trees from Cicadas

There is no single solution that works for every tree. The best approach depends on the tree's age, size, and overall health.

1. Cover Young Trees with Protective Netting

Protective mesh netting is widely considered the most effective way to prevent cicadas from laying eggs on young trees.

Choose mesh with openings smaller than one-quarter inch and wrap the canopy completely, securing the bottom around the trunk.

Protective netting works especially well for:

• Newly planted shade trees
• Fruit trees
• Ornamental flowering trees
• Small landscape trees

Once cicada activity has ended, remove the netting to allow normal growth.

2. Keep Trees Properly Watered

Healthy trees recover more quickly from environmental stress.

Deep watering encourages stronger root systems and improves the tree's ability to heal damaged branches.

During dry summer periods:

• Water deeply rather than frequently.
• Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely.
• Focus on the root zone rather than spraying foliage.

If you're unsure whether your trees are receiving enough water, scheduling a professional Tree Health Care Service can help identify stress before it becomes severe.

3. Apply Mulch Correctly

Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperatures, and reduce competition from weeds.

For best results:

• Apply 2–4 inches of mulch.
• Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk.
• Spread mulch evenly beneath the canopy.

Avoid piling mulch against the bark, as this can contribute to decay and pest problems.

4. Delay Major Pruning Until Cicada Season Ends

Freshly pruned trees often produce tender new growth that may attract additional egg-laying.

Unless damaged branches create an immediate safety concern, wait until cicada activity subsides before performing major pruning.

After the season, a professional tree care service in Newton can help in maintaining the tree's natural structure.

5. Avoid Unnecessary Insecticide Applications

Many homeowners assume spraying insecticides will eliminate cicadas.

Unfortunately, this approach is rarely effective because:

• Millions of cicadas emerge over a short period.
• New insects continue appearing from underground.
• Sprays often affect beneficial insects more than cicadas.

For most residential lawns, physical protection and good tree care provide better long-term results.

Tree Protection Methods Comparison

Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Trees from Cicadas

Step 1: Identify Vulnerable Trees

Focus first on trees planted within the last one to three years and ornamental species with thin branches.

Step 2: Install Protective Netting

Cover susceptible trees before large numbers of cicadas emerge.

Step 3: Maintain Tree Health

Water consistently, apply mulch, and avoid unnecessary stress during the growing season.

Step 4: Monitor for Damage

Inspect branches weekly for egg-laying scars, broken twigs, or brown tips.

Step 5: Schedule Professional Tree Care

Once cicada season ends, have damaged trees inspected and pruned if necessary to encourage healthy recovery.

When Is the Best Time to Protect Trees from Cicadas?

Before Cicadas Emerge

The best time to install protective netting is just before cicadas begin emerging in late spring or early summer.

Waiting until heavy activity has already started may reduce its effectiveness.

After Cicada Season

Once adult cicadas disappear:

• Remove protective netting.
• Inspect trees for damage.
• Prune broken branches.
• Continue watering during dry weather.

Routine inspections help identify structural issues before they become larger problems.

When Should You Call a Tree Care Professional?

Some damage is normal, but certain situations require expert attention.

Consider scheduling a professional tree inspection if:

• Several branches have broken.
• Young trees show significant dieback.
• Trees appear stressed long after cicada season.
• You notice fungal growth or insect infestations.
• Large limbs become hazardous near your home or driveway.

Professional arborists can recommend corrective pruning, structural support, or other treatments based on the tree's condition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring young trees: Newly planted trees are the most susceptible to cicada damage.
• Using insecticides as the first solution: Sprays usually provide limited benefit against large cicada populations.
• Removing netting too early: Wait until cicada activity has completely ended.
• Over-pruning during emergence: Fresh growth may encourage additional egg-laying.
• Skipping post-season inspections: Hidden branch damage can become a safety concern later.
• Neglecting tree health: Healthy trees recover much faster from temporary stress.

Final Thoughts

Cicadas may be noisy, but they don't have to become a major problem for your landscape. Most mature trees in Newton recover naturally, while younger trees simply need a little extra protection during cicada season. Installing protective netting, maintaining healthy growing conditions, and addressing damage promptly can significantly reduce the long-term impact.

If you're unsure whether your trees have been affected, Jon Sneider Lawn Care & Tree Service can help.

Our experienced team provides professional tree inspections, pruning, and ongoing tree health care to keep your lawn safe and thriving throughout every season including tree and shrub care in Brookline, Wellesley, and Needham.

Protect your trees before minor cicada damage becomes a larger problem. Contact Jon Sneider Lawn Care & Tree Service to schedule a professional tree inspection and receive expert recommendations tailored to your landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can cicadas kill healthy trees?

In most cases, no. Healthy mature trees usually recover from cicada activity. Young or newly planted trees are more vulnerable and may need protection to prevent excessive branch damage.

2. What is the best way to protect newly planted trees from cicadas?

Fine mesh protective netting is the most effective solution. Installing it before cicadas emerge prevents females from laying eggs on young branches.

3. Should I spray insecticides to get rid of cicadas?

Generally, no. Insecticides are rarely effective during large cicada emergences and may harm beneficial insects. Physical barriers and proper tree care provide better long-term results.

4. When should damaged branches be pruned?

Wait until cicada activity has ended unless a broken branch poses an immediate safety hazard. Afterward, professional pruning helps improve tree structure and recovery.

5. How do I know if my tree needs professional care after cicada season?

If you notice extensive branch dieback, multiple broken limbs, poor new growth, or signs of declining health, schedule a professional tree inspection. Early intervention can prevent long-term structural or health issues.