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Fall Webworms: Webs In Your Trees

Resources: Tree Problems

Fall Webworms 1

Fall Webworms are a native pest of shade trees and shrubs that emerge throughout mid-late summer and fall. Similar to Eastern Tent Caterpillar which we’ve discussed before, Fall Webworm are caterpillars that weave webs in trees & shrubs while feeding on their leaves.

If left untreated, these insects will defoliate numerous branches and possibly the entire tree. Between the defoliation and giant webs, this pest turns trees into an eyesore.

Species Targeted: Fall webworms target almost all shade, fruit, and ornamental trees except conifers. In the United States, about 90 species of trees are regularly affected. The most susceptible in our area include hickory, walnut, elm, birch, cherry, redbud, willow, oak, mulberry, crabapple and some maples.


Fall Webworms

Fall Webworms Sign & Symptoms:

To spot Fall Webworms keep an eye out for the signs and symptoms below.

  • Webs constructed around leaves at the end of branches
  • Hundreds of larvae, excrement, and dried leaf fragments will be in the webs
  • Webs will make jerking movements when the caterpillars are alarmed.
  • Defoliation
  • Caterpillars on your tree and shrubs
  • Young larvae are pale yellow with two rows of black marks along their body
  • When fully grown, they are covered in white hairs that originate from black and orange spots

You can distinguish webworms from Eastern Tent Caterpillars by where they choose to build their nests and what time of year they emerge. Fall Webworms weave their nests at the ends of branches whereas the Eastern Tent Caterpillar chooses to build its nest in the crotches of tree branches.  Webworms also appear in late summer to early fall while Eastern Tent Caterpillars appear in spring.


Need Help With Fall Webworms?

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Or Call Us At 703.573.3029


Webworm Lasting Damage:

The good news is that fall webworms typically do not leave any lasting damage. However; once you have an infestation you will most likely have it year after year. This is because webworms overwinter in cocoons found in the leaf litter and bark of trees and shrubs. In the spring they emerge as adults and lay eggs in your foliage. When these eggs hatch they begin to feed on your leaves and build webs, starting the cycle all over again. Yearly infections can lead to lasting damage, slowed growth,  and leave your trees vulnerable to secondary invaders.


Fall Webworms 2

Fall Webworm Treatment:

Thankfully, Fall Webworms are easily controlled using systemic treatments and foliage sprays. Depending on the severity of the infestation, the location of the tree, and the tree species our Arborists will recommend some version of manual removal, treatments to kill the webworms this season, and preventative treatments to keep them from coming back next season.

Book an appointment with an arborist online or call 703.573.3029 if you think you have Fall Webworms.

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Google Reviews

Grey Burkhart
Grey Burkhart
March 29, 2022.
Verified
Very professional review of our requirements and an accurate estimate. Showed up on time and were finished quickly. Cleaned up all of the debris and sawdust. Great job all around.
Dennis Bruns
Dennis Bruns
March 8, 2022.
Verified
We have used RTEC Treecare for several years. They do excellent work. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable and take great care in explaining the various options available for your particular situation. I highly recommend them.
Annette Iannucci
Annette Iannucci
February 23, 2022.
Verified
We have been using RTEC for years and were very pleased with the recent tree maintenance work they did for us. As always, we got good advice from their arborist Ben,. The crew that did the work is highly skilled, and they did a great job trimming our trees. They worked safely and efficiently, in addition to leaving the yard clean after they finished the work.
Susan Crawford
Susan Crawford
January 26, 2022.
Verified
RTEC was at my house today to removed a large Magnolia that was badly damaged by the recent snow. They did a fantastic job at a very reasonable price. They arrived right on time, worked efficiently and quickly and cleaned up so well it was hard to tell anything have been disturbed. Over the past several years, I have used RTEC for all the services I checked above, and have always been very pleased with their service and professionalism. I also appreciate that they are not eager to take down trees that don't need to come down. In this case, the damage was too extensive for the tree to recover.
Kenton Morgan
Kenton Morgan
January 20, 2022.
Verified
Once again, RTEC has done a great job. The team showed up right on time and performed all the work that we agreed to. They kept us informed as to progress, coordinated with us concerning our maple, and made recommendations concerning ongoing support for our trees. At the end of the day, they thoroughly cleaned up the debris and left our yard in pristine condition. WELL DONE.
Jean Kluttz
Jean Kluttz
January 3, 2022.
Verified
Not our first time but this time was tricky removal of a large dead tree leaning on a healthy tree. Quick response for estimate, good timing to removal, all clear and healthy tree still fine.
Jerry Haggin
Jerry Haggin
December 16, 2021.
Verified
Very good work while ensuring that I was aware of status of my work order and planned completion.
Mike Iger
Mike Iger
December 16, 2021.
Verified
David Roberts
David Roberts
December 15, 2021.
Verified
We’ve used RTEC for many years for tree maintenance and can’t say enough good things about their service. We use them for tree trimming and for regular treatments to maintain our trees’ health and deal with pests and prevent disease. Their arborist Ben has been especially helpful with advice. RTEC also been especially helpful in emergency situations, once coming to cable a massive, heritage oak in our yard right before a hurricane was about to hit. Highly recommend.
Travis Larson
Travis Larson
December 10, 2021.
Verified
RTEC did an excellent job onsite of removing dead branches from our 80+ year old trees, and trimming other growth too close to our home.
Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 185 reviews.

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