Top 3 Tree Pests Threatening Bloomfield Yards—and How to Fight Back
June 17, 2025
Top 3 Tree Pests Threatening Bloomfield Yards—and How to Fight Back
“It takes decades to grow a tree, but only one season to lose it.”
It’s a harsh truth. Trees in Bloomfield, and across Connecticut, are under siege. And most homeowners don’t even see the attack until the damage is done.
The culprit? Tiny invaders that burrow, chew, and drain the life out of healthy trees—tree pests. Some fly. Some crawl. Most hide in plain sight.
So let’s pull back the bark and get into what’s threatening your yard—and exactly what you can do about it.
🐛 1. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB): The Green Death
Small. Bright. Beautiful... and lethal.
The emerald ash borer (EAB) has killed millions of ash trees across the U.S. since it showed up in Michigan back in 2002. It’s been in Connecticut since 2012—and yes, it’s in Bloomfield.
These shiny green beetles lay eggs on the bark. The larvae tunnel beneath the surface, cutting off the tree’s water and nutrient flow. That’s a death sentence.
🔍 How to Spot It:
- Thinning canopy, especially at the top
- S-shaped galleries under the bark
- D-shaped exit holes (tiny but telling)
- Increased woodpecker activity (they’re after the larvae)
🛠️ What to Do:
- Act fast. If you have ash trees, they need to be inspected now—not next season.
- For lightly infested trees: trunk injection treatments may save them.
- For heavily infested or declining trees: removal is often the only safe option, especially to prevent falling limbs.
🐞 2. Spongy Moth (Formerly Gypsy Moth): The Leaf Shredder
These pests may not burrow, but they absolutely defoliate trees—and fast.
The spongy moth caterpillar feeds on oaks, maples, and even birches. A single larva can eat a square foot of leaves in a day. Multiply that by the thousands, and it’s easy to see how trees in Bloomfield suffer severe defoliation almost overnight.
And here’s the kicker: multiple years of defoliation can kill an otherwise healthy tree.
🔍 Signs to Watch:
- Ragged, chewed leaves or bare branches mid-summer
- Tan-colored egg masses on trunks or lawn furniture
- Frass (a.k.a. caterpillar droppings) on decks, cars, or patios
🛠️ Fight-Back Plan:
- Scrape egg masses off surfaces in fall and early spring (use a putty knife).
- Apply BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki) spray early in the season—it’s organic and highly effective.
- Encourage natural predators like birds and certain wasps.
- Large infestations? Call a pro. We can handle widespread canopy treatments without harming surrounding plants.
🕷️ 3. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: The Silent Sap Sucker
Tiny white tufts under hemlock branches? That’s not mold. That’s an infestation.
The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is an invasive insect that drains sap from eastern hemlocks, which are native to Bloomfield and often found in older yards or wooded edges.
Once infested, hemlocks weaken quickly. Needles turn gray-green. Whole limbs die back. And untreated trees typically decline within 4–10 years.
🔍 What to Look For:
- White, woolly clumps on the underside of branches
- Needle drop and thinning foliage
- Dead lower limbs working their way upward
🛠️ What Works:
- Systemic insecticides applied at the base of the tree offer season-long protection.
- In some cases, we recommend horticultural oil sprays for spot treatments.
- Regular monitoring is critical—catching it early makes all the difference.
🌳 Why This Matters for Bloomfield
Your trees aren’t just part of your property. They’re part of your neighborhood’s character and value. And once pests move in, the cost of inaction climbs fast—financially, environmentally, and even in terms of safety.
We’ve worked with dozens of Bloomfield homeowners who only realized the damage after it was too late. But that doesn’t have to be your story.
✅ What You Can Do Today:
- Walk your yard. Really look at your trees.
- Take photos of anything suspicious—exit holes, bare patches, white clumps, odd bark.
- Call us for a free pest inspection. We’ll identify what you’re dealing with and recommend next steps, whether that’s treatment or removal.
Final Thought: Your Trees Can't Call for Help
But you can.
Pests don’t rest—and neither do we. Whether you're tackling an active infestation or just taking preventive steps for peace of mind, we’re here to help Bloomfield’s trees thrive.
Tree Down? Emergency Tree Removal Bloomfield CT Tips A tree crashing down on your property isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s an emergency. Whether it’s from high winds, heavy snow, or a sudden storm, fallen trees in Bloomfield, CT can cause major damage. Broken windows, crushed fences, blocked driveways—we’ve seen it all. And when it happens, fast action matters. If you’re dealing with a tree emergency, stay calm. Here's what to do next. 1. Put Safety First Don’t rush outside. If a tree has fallen on power lines, your roof, or a vehicle, stay clear of the area. Downed power lines are very dangerous and should be reported to your utility company immediately. Tip: Keep everyone indoors and block off access to the affected area until professionals arrive. 2. Document the Damage Take clear photos of everything. Capture the fallen tree from multiple angles, and be sure to show what it impacted—your home, fence, or yard. Why it matters: You’ll need these for your insurance claim, and they help your tree service provider assess the damage before arriving. 3. Call a Local Emergency Tree Service in Bloomfield Not all tree services handle emergencies. Look for companies with 24/7 availability, proper licensing, and insurance. Local experience matters too—you want someone who understands the unique trees and weather conditions in Bloomfield, CT. Pro Tip: Boa Bloomfield Tree Service offers 24/7 emergency tree removal in Bloomfield. We respond fast and handle the job safely. 4. Don’t Try DIY Tree Removal A chainsaw and ladder are not the solution here. Emergency tree removal often involves unstable limbs, damaged structures, and hidden hazards. Important: Leave the heavy lifting to trained professionals. It’s safer and more efficient—and your insurance may not cover injuries from DIY attempts. 5. Understand Insurance Coverage Call your insurance company to report the damage. Most policies cover tree removal if the tree caused damage to a structure, like your home or garage. Tip: Ask your insurer what documentation they need, and keep all receipts from emergency services. 6. Prevent the Next Emergency Once the immediate problem is solved, it’s time to look ahead. Schedule a full property inspection. Trimming dead branches, removing weak trees, and maintaining healthy ones goes a long way in preventing future disasters. Bonus Tip: Regular tree care can also lower your insurance risk and increase your property value. Final Thoughts When a tree comes down, the clock starts ticking. Quick, smart decisions can keep you safe and reduce the impact on your home and wallet. If you need emergency tree removal in Bloomfield, CT, Boa Bloomfield Tree Service is here 24/7. We show up fast, work safely, and help you get back to normal. Call now for immediate help. We’ll handle the mess—so you don’t have to.
Is a Permit Required for Tree Removal in Bloomfield, Connecticut? It’s your tree… but that doesn’t always mean you can take it down. That’s the surprise many Bloomfield homeowners run into. One minute you’re planning a backyard makeover—or trying to deal with a dead, leaning oak—and the next, you’re facing permit paperwork or worse, a town fine. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Tree removal in Bloomfield isn’t just about grabbing a chainsaw and going to work. Local ordinances, zoning rules, and environmental concerns all come into play. And ignoring those rules? That can cost you. In this post, we’ll break it all down for you. When you do need a permit. When you don’t. What steps to take to stay on the right side of the law—and how we help make the process simple. Do You Need a Tree Removal Permit in Bloomfield, CT? In most cases, yes. The Town of Bloomfield has ordinances in place to protect certain trees—especially if they’re large, located in wetlands, or part of a regulated zone. The general rule of thumb? If the tree is healthy, large, or visible from public property, you probably need permission. 👉 Check with the Town of Bloomfield’s Planning Department before removing any tree. You can visit their website here . Situations Where You Don’t Need a Permit There are a few exceptions where a permit is usually not required: Emergency removals: If a tree is clearly hazardous (e.g. it’s fallen during a storm or is at risk of falling), you can take action immediately to protect people and property. Dead trees: If a tree is dead or severely diseased and poses a danger, you may be able to remove it without prior approval—but documentation is key. Always take photos and consult a certified arborist. Private, unregulated property: If the tree is small and on a lot not under zoning or environmental restrictions, you may be free to remove it. Again, confirm with local officials. What Would Happen If You Remove a Tree Without a Permit? Don’t risk it. Removing a tree without following proper steps can lead to: Fines or penalties from the town Delays in home improvement projects Required replanting or other mitigation measures In some cases, the town can even halt your construction or landscaping work until the issue is resolved. Ways to Apply for a Tree Removal Permit Here’s how to stay in compliance: Contact the Planning & Zoning Department for a pre-removal consultation. Provide documentation: This may include a property survey, photos of the tree, and an arborist’s report. Submit an application with the required fee (if any). Wait for approval—the timeline can vary, but it’s typically a few business days to a couple of weeks. How We Help with Tree Permits We’ve worked with Bloomfield’s local ordinances for years, so we know the ins and outs. At [Your Company Name], we: Help determine if your tree requires a permit Handle the permit application for you Work with local inspectors when needed Provide certified arborist assessments You don’t have to navigate red tape on your own. We’ll make sure your tree removal is done safely, legally, and without the hassle. Final Thoughts Tree removal in Bloomfield doesn’t have to be complicated—but you do need to follow the rules. Whether it’s a dying maple or a towering pine standing in the way of your backyard plans, it’s best to start with the facts and move forward the right way. Need help? We’re just a call away. Let’s handle your tree issues the right way—safely, quickly, and by the book.
Removing a tree and dealing with the aftermath can be a big job, but it also presents an opportunity to enhance your yard.
Connecticut is home to a variety of tree species, but like any other region, its trees are susceptible to certain diseases.
Negotiating tree removal can be a complex process, but with the right approach, you can ensure a successful outcome.
Removing tree stumps can be a challenging task, but it's essential for safety, aesthetics, and to prevent the spread of diseases to other trees.
Lot clearing is the process of removing trees, shrubs, and other vegetation from a piece of land to prepare it for construction, landscaping, or other purposes.
Resolving disputes related to overhanging tree branches requires a blend of legal understanding and practical approaches.
By taking the time to research and consider these factors, you can find a reputable and experienced service that meets your needs and ensures the safe and efficient removal of your trees.
Tree law in Connecticut refers to the legal principles and regulations that govern the ownership, care, and removal of trees in the state.