The Effects of the Fall Cankerworm on Trees
In most cases, the cankerworms will not kill trees directly. Most trees will try to refoliate when a large percentage of their canopy has been eaten. However, the multiple defoliations caused by the cankerworms (as many as five defoliations in a single season), will weaken trees, cause die back, and make them more susceptible to borers, root rot, and other pests. A heavy infestation of cankerworms for several years can kill large trees. The cankerworms may also kill small trees, such as cherries and dogwoods, in fewer years of heavy infestation. The fall cankerworm affects all deciduous trees and shrubs, and may affect some soft-leaved evergreens like azaleas.
Many people will begin to notice the heavy infestation of cankerworms when battalions of green inchworms descend on their cars, houses, and playing children. Others will note the delayed appearance of the tree canopy, or the skeletal remains of devoured leaves high in the trees. As the cankerworms eat the new leaves, they produce a steady sprinkle of brown frass (feces) that accumulates on sidewalks, driveways and lawns. In severe infestations, frass can sound like light rain falling to the ground on a dry day.
Many people will begin to notice the heavy infestation of cankerworms when battalions of green inchworms descend on their cars, houses, and playing children. Others will note the delayed appearance of the tree canopy, or the skeletal remains of devoured leaves high in the trees. As the cankerworms eat the new leaves, they produce a steady sprinkle of brown frass (feces) that accumulates on sidewalks, driveways and lawns. In severe infestations, frass can sound like light rain falling to the ground on a dry day.
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