Cicada Brood 2025: Tree Protection Costs Surge 65%

Homeowners in affected regions receive warnings about the impending cicada brood and its potential financial impact. Tree protection costs rise sharply, with estimates indicating an average 65 percent increase over recent seasons. High demand, limited arborist availability, and shortages of protective materials combine to challenge homeowners seeking to safeguard their trees.

This guide details the nature of the cicada brood, the reasons behind the rapid cost increases, key factors influencing expenses, and strategies for cost-effective landscape protection. Readers gain insights into professional tree service preparations for such events. The information supports decisions on self-managed protection or engagement of certified arborists.

What is Cicada Brood 2025?

The cicada brood describes a large-scale emergence of periodical cicadas after extended underground development. Billions of these insects surface simultaneously to molt, mate, and lay eggs in trees. Although their life cycle intrigues observers, the abrupt activity poses risks to young and ornamental trees.

Female cicadas slice slits into twigs and branches for egg deposition, a process termed oviposition. This action inflicts notable structural harm, particularly to fresh growth. Homeowners prioritize shielding trees from breakage, disease pathways, and enduring weakness.

Average Tree Protection Costs

Costs for cicada protection per tree span from $250 to $1,200, varying by size, species, and method. The national average stands at $650 per tree, marking a 65 percent rise from prior years due to elevated demand and scarce professional resources for extensive projects.

Tree Size	Average Cost Range
Small Tree (under 15 ft)	$250 - $400
Medium Tree (15–30 ft)	$400 - $700
Large Tree (30–60 ft)	$700 - $1,200
Extra-Large Tree (over 60 ft)	$1,200 and up

These figures encompass inspection, materials like mesh netting, labor, and seasonal removal of coverings. Trees with prior cicada damage may incur extra charges for pruning or treatments to avert decline.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Protect Trees from Cicadas

Tree Size

Larger trees demand greater quantities of material and labor for netting installation. Height and canopy extent dictate the volume of mesh, rope, and fasteners required. A tall oak or maple often necessitates lifts or climbing equipment, elevating expenses.

Tree Condition

Healthy trees facilitate protection and swift recovery from minor harm. Stressed trees, affected by disease, drought, or poor pruning, face heightened vulnerability. Arborists suggest supplementary measures like fertilization or crown thinning to enhance airflow and durability, increasing overall costs.

Tree Species

Cicadas target certain trees more than others. Deciduous hardwoods, including oaks, maples, and fruit trees, attract egg-laying activity. Evergreens experience lower risk. Species-specific preferences shape protection urgency and scope, thereby affecting pricing.

Location and Accessibility

Trees near power lines, on inclines, or amid structures prove challenging to reach. Arborists implement added safety protocols, extending setup duration. Urban settings amplify costs through issues like parking restrictions, permits, and equipment maneuvering.

Time of Year

Expenses escalate as emergence nears. Preparation in late winter or early spring yields lower rates, with materials available and schedules open. Post-emergence, surging demand propels prices upward.

Urgency and Scheduling

Last-minute or emergency requests command higher fees. Visible cicadas in yards often mean fully booked services. Advance planning secures competitive pricing.

The Tree Protection Process

Tree protection against cicadas follows a structured sequence for efficacy and safety. Professional services adhere to these steps meticulously.

1. Initial Assessment and Quote
   Arborists evaluate the site, pinpoint vulnerable trees, measure dimensions, and align on objectives. Homeowners receive itemized estimates covering materials and services.

2. Permitting and Local Compliance
   Certain areas mandate permits for netting or treatments. Arborists verify adherence to regulations, preventing penalties.

3. Preparation and Material Selection
   Teams choose suitable mesh gauge and quality. Fine, resilient netting blocks cicadas while permitting light and air passage.

4. Installation of Protective Netting
   Netting envelops the canopy, fastened securely at the trunk. Base closure bars upward insect access. Large trees may require lifts or climbers for comprehensive coverage.

5. Monitoring and Maintenance
   Seasonal checks address storm damage or netting shifts. Prompt repairs seal any tears to sustain barriers.

6. Netting Removal and Post-Season Care
   After cicada decline, removal avoids growth hindrance. Light pruning eliminates damaged parts, with nutrient applications aiding recovery.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Tree Protection Service

Cicada protection appears straightforward, yet safety and feasibility vary for homeowners. This comparison aids in selecting DIY or professional approaches.

When to DIY

• Trees under 15 feet, easily reachable
• Absence of hazards like utilities or terrain challenges
• Access to supplies including mesh and ties
• Comfort with basic ladder use

DIY efforts conserve funds for small fruit or ornamental trees. Complete sealing from crown to base remains essential.

When to Hire a Pro

• Trees exceeding 20 feet in height
• Proximity to buildings, barriers, or lines
• Multiple trees needing unified coverage
• Evidence of stress or prior pests

Experts provide tools, gear, and knowledge. They offer guidance on pruning, fertilization, and recovery, ensuring secure and thorough results.

How to Hire a Tree Service

Selecting a reliable tree care provider safeguards investments effectively. These steps guide the hiring process for cicada protection or general services.

1. Check Credentials and Insurance
   Confirm licensing and coverage. Arborists certified by professional bodies possess expertise in tree health and protocols.

2. Ask for References or Reviews
   Seek verified successes and reliability. Consult neighbors or community networks for endorsements.

3. Get Multiple Estimates
   Quotes from several firms promote fair value. Scrutinize low offers for potential quality compromises.

4. Request a Written Contract
   Documents detail pricing, materials, schedules, and duties. Explicit terms mitigate disputes.

5. Confirm Cleanup and Disposal
   Post-season removal and eco-friendly disposal should feature. Verify inclusion in costs.

6. Discuss Long-Term Tree Health
   Arborists assess vitality and propose ongoing practices like mulching, irrigation, or inspections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to protect a 50-foot tree from cicadas?

Protection for a 50-foot tree ranges from $800 to $1,200, influenced by canopy size and access. Climbing or restricted-site needs raise fees.

Is it cheaper to trim a tree or protect it with netting?

Trimming costs $150 to $400 initially but fails to block damage. Netting, though pricier, averts severe harm that could demand thousands in repairs.

When should I install cicada netting?

Install before emergence to exclude flying adults. Preemptive timing protects emerging twigs fully.

Does homeowners insurance cover cicada damage?

Standard policies exclude insect-related harm. Prevention falls to owners. Coverage may apply to branch fallout impacting property, not tree restoration.

Can chemical treatments replace netting?

Chemicals harm non-target species and prove less reliable. Netting offers superior, sustainable defense.

Which tree species are most at risk?

Deciduous types like oak, maple, cherry, dogwood, and fruit trees draw preference. Slender-barked young specimens suffer most. Conifers face minimal threat.

How can I tell if cicadas have damaged my tree?

Inspect for twig slits, wilting, or dieback. Fragile sections snap in breezes. Post-season pruning aids healing.

Strengthening Trees Against Cicada Impacts

Consistent care through irrigation, mulching, and selective pruning bolsters tree resilience. Proactive planning and professional input minimize cicada-related losses. Homeowners thus preserve vibrant landscapes for seasons ahead.