Oct. 4 webinar focuses on cankerworm prevention
Fall is coming, which means it’s time to start thinking about how to protect your trees from the fall cankerworm. Assistant City Arborist Laurie Reid Dukes will present a webinar focusing on the biology and ecology of the fall cankerworm (Alsophilia pometaria) and how to manage it in both urban and rural areas. This webinar is presented through the Southern Region Extension Forestry (SREF) Forest Health Program.

WEBINAR DETAILS
Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 12:45 p.m. (webinar starts at 1 p.m.)
Click here for the webinar link
Please allow 15 minutes to set up your computer prior to the webinar.

Tree banding season is almost here!

Tree banding in November and December is an effective way of controlling the cankerworm. By applying a glue barrier to the tree trunk, the wingless cankerworm moths are trapped as they climb the tree. For best results, try to band your trees by the first week in December.

How to band a tree

Step 1: Install a two-inch strip of cotton or insulation around the tree at least three feet from the ground and the lowest limb.

Step 2: Position a band of roofing felt over the strip and attach it to the trees with the staple gun.  Avoid using staples on small, young or thin barked trees. Instead use electrical tape to hold the bands.

Step 3: Using disposable gloves and a putty knife, put a film of Tanglefoot™(glue) directly on the band, approximately 1/8” thick.

In order to be effective, all trees need to be banded. The worms feed on all types of trees. Large trees (taller than a two-story house) are the main focus of banding. Small trees can also be banded.

The glue Tanglefoot™ should be applied after most of the leaves have fallen. If the trap becomes clogged with leaves or insects, you should clean it, renew the Tanglefoot™ or install a new trap. The bands can be removed during the first week of February.

Find out where to get cankerworm supplies in the Charlotte area.

Download and print the Let’s Band Together brochure to get more information on tree banding and the impact of cankerworms in Charlotte.