Insects - Tree Girdler
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  (May) What can I do to prevent or control my native hickory trees in Fayetteville from getting attacked annually from the tree girdlers? All the end branches with leaves are falling off. This happened last year same time same tree.

  If they are mature, large trees it usually doesn't really hurt them. These small insects lay eggs in the tips of branches, and the mother insect girdles the ends of the twigs where the eggs are laid. When the wind blows, the branches fall off, looking almost like they are perfectly sawed off. The key is to dispose of these small branches to kill any eggs or larvae -- this should cut down on damage next year. Insecticides are rarely recommended except on very small trees.

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