TreeTimes Educational Corner
By William C. Kelley III, ISA Certified Arborist (MA-5773)
From Our Arborists to Your Yard
Many of you have followed TreeTimes on social media since the early days of Facebook, and
others have called us directly for advice on trees.
We’re proud to announce that we’ve partnered with The Harborview magazine to provide a
monthly educational section. Each edition will feature a timely topic to help you better care for
your trees and landscape.
Tent Caterpillars
If you’ve noticed thick, tent-like webs or silky material in your trees, you may have encountered
Eastern tent caterpillars. These pests are common in Virginia and frequently infest:
• Wild cherry
• Apple and crabapple
• Peach and plum
• Some hardwood species
When to Spot Them
• Season: Typically appear around May in Virginia.
• Early Signs: Silky “tents” in branch crotches.
• Later Season Damage: Noticeable chewing of leaves—caterpillars consume the soft
tissue but leave the veins intact.
Life Cycle & Egg Identification
• Egg Stage: Overwinter in shiny, dark bands wrapped around twigs.
• Hatching: Usually March to mid-April, depending on weather.
• Best Inspection Time: As buds begin to open—look for silky webbing in main branch
junctions.
Prevention & Control
• Manual Removal: Cut out tents early. Avoid burning them while in the tree—it can
harm the bark and branches.
• Chemical Control: Once caterpillars mature, targeted treatments can be applied.
• Natural Predators: Birds will feed on both caterpillars and eggs—placing a feeder near
the affected tree may help.
Our Commitment to Tree Health
At TreeTimes, we take great pride in horticulture, tree preservation, and using industryleading
techniques for pruning and safe removal. Whether it’s pest management, structural
safety, or improving tree health, we’re committed to preserving the beauty and safety of your
property.
📞 Call for Your Free Consultation
If you see signs of tent caterpillars or have any tree health concerns, contact our certified
arborists:
TreeTimes Tree Service & Stump Grinding
📍 1193 Richmond Highway, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
📞 540-720-8733
📧 bkelley@treetimesinc.com
🌐 www.treetimesinc.com
