Summer heat is hard on trees—but the real danger might be what you don’t see. 

While many property owners are focused on fire season, another threat is spreading quietly: insect pests that thrive in drought-stressed trees. By the time you spot the symptoms, serious damage may already be done. 

Here’s how to recognize the hidden invaders—and what to do before they spread. 

The Link Between Drought Stress and Pest Attacks 

When trees are low on water, their defenses break down. Instead of pushing out sap and maintaining strong bark tissues, they conserve energy—making them vulnerable to attack from: 

• Bark Beetles (like red turpentine beetle in pines) 
• Flatheaded Borers (including bronze birch borer) 
• Aphids and Scale Insects on irrigated landscape trees 
• Invasive Shot Hole Borer (ISHB) in riparian and ornamental species 

These pests don’t need a visible wound or large entry point. Many enter through tiny cracks or old pruning cuts—especially on trees that are already struggling. 

What Hidden Damage Looks Like 

Here are some signs that pests are present—even if they’re not obvious at first glance: 

• Tiny holes in bark (often in a random or grid-like pattern) 
• Frass or sawdust-like material at the base of the tree 
• Sticky residue or black sooty mold on leaves (aphid waste) 
• Sudden leaf loss or dieback in isolated branches 
• Woodpecker activity—a red flag that insects are under the bark 

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t wait for the canopy to collapse. By then, pests may have already spread to neighboring trees. 

Why August Matters 

Late summer is a tipping point. Trees are under sustained stress, and many pest populations are at peak activity. If your landscape includes: 

• Ornamental birches 
• Native oaks 
• Pines in dry zones 
• Sycamores, willows, or fruit trees 

…you’re likely at risk. Infestations can move fast, especially if you haven’t pruned or inspected this season. 

How We Can Help 

Image Tree Service offers expert pest and disease evaluations during the critical late summer window. Our team can: 

• Spot early-stage infestations before they become widespread 
• Prune out infected limbs and deadwood 
• Apply PHC treatments like trunk injections or soil conditioners 
• Recommend removals when a tree poses a risk to others 

We work fast, cleanly, and always in alignment with your defensible space and drought recovery goals. 

Book a Pest Inspection Before Summer Ends 

Some pests go dormant as fall approaches—but not before leaving serious damage behind. If your trees haven’t been checked in the last few months, now is your best opportunity to catch issues early. 

• Protect healthy trees
• Avoid emergency removals
• Stay ahead of costly infestations 

Call Image Tree Service at (773) 718-5362 today or visit https://imagetreeservice.jdmps.com/contact to schedule your late-summer pest inspection.