Tree Inspections & Consultations in Springfield, MO

Common Types of Tree Mites You May Find in Springfield, MO

Springfield’s unique climate and tree diversity create the perfect environment for several species of tree mites to thrive. When you reach out to our team for assistance, we will first identify the type of mite affecting your trees, as this is a critical step in providing effective tree pest control.

Two-Spotted Mites

The most common type of spider mite in Springfield, MO, is the two-spotted mite. These tiny arachnids — recognizable by the two dark spots on their amber-colored bodies when viewed under magnification — thrive during hot, dry summer conditions and attack a variety of trees and plants, including maples, oaks, dogwoods, fruit trees, and burning bushes.

The mites’ feeding typically results in yellow speckling on leaf surfaces, often starting near the main veins before spreading outward. As infestations progress, leaves develop a bronzed appearance, and you may notice fine webbing between branches or on leaf undersides — a characteristic sign that tree mite treatment is urgently needed.

Spruce Spider Mites

Spruce spider mites are cool-season pests, becoming especially active in spring and fall when temperatures are mild. These dark-colored mites focus their feeding on spruce, pine, juniper, arborvitae, and other conifers that many Springfield homeowners prize in their landscapes. Their damage appears as yellow or brown stippling on needles, which eventually progresses to bronzing and premature needle drop. In severe cases, entire branches may die back, permanently altering your tree’s appearance.

What makes spruce spider mites especially concerning is their rapid reproduction cycle — with new generations appearing every 2-4 weeks during favorable conditions. Without timely spider mite treatment, a minor issue can quickly escalate to a serious infestation that threatens the tree’s overall health.

Eriophyid Mites

At roughly 1/100th of an inch long — significantly smaller than other mites — these worm-shaped pests are virtually invisible to the naked eye. Unfortunately, they can still cause significant damage.

Unlike their spider mite cousins, eriophyid mites are highly host-specific, meaning each species typically affects only one type of tree. For example, one species of eriophyid mite may target maple trees, while another species will only feed on ash trees. Regardless of which species is attacking your tree, you may notice common symptoms like leaf curling, blistering, gall formations, witches’ brooms (dense, abnormal twig growth), or unusual rusty or silvery discoloration of the foliage.

Because eriophyid mites like to hide within plant tissues — often inside the very deformities they create — they can often avoid the effects of contact treatments. This means you will want to partner with a trained professional for specialized arborist pest control services. We will be able to provide the most effective results.

Is Your Tree Being Affected by Mites?

Detecting mites early can save your trees from significant damage, but how can you tell if these tiny invaders have made your trees their home? Watch for these telltale signs:

• Speckled Leaves: The first signs of mite damage are typically a subtle stippling or speckling on the leaves, creating a sandblasted appearance that many homeowners mistakenly attribute to nutrient deficiencies.
• Full Leaf Discoloration: Depending on the mite species, host tree, and length of infestation, you might observe leaves turning bronze, yellow, gray, or even silvery. These discolorations result from the destruction of chlorophyll as mites drain cells of their contents, essentially starving the tree of its ability to produce energy through photosynthesis.
• Visible Pests: Look closely at the undersides of leaves, where you might observe tiny moving dots — these are the mites themselves, though you’ll likely need a magnifying glass to see them clearly.
• Fine Webbing: Severe infestations produce fine, silk webbing on branch tips and between needles on evergreens.
• Stunted or Abnormal Growth: Trees under attack often grow more slowly, with shorter shoots and smaller leaves than in previous seasons. Severe or repeated infestations may cause premature leaf drop, branch dieback, and, in extreme cases, entire tree death.

If you notice any combination of these symptoms, contact All About Trees for professional assessment and tree mite treatment in Springfield, MO, as soon as possible.

Our Tree Mite Control & Treatment Options

Before recommending any treatment solutions, our certified arborists conduct a comprehensive inspection. Using specialized equipment, we thoroughly examine foliage, bark, and branch structures to identify not just the presence of mites but the specific species affecting your trees. This precise diagnosis is critical because mite species respond differently to various treatment methods, and applying the wrong treatment can waste resources while allowing damage to continue unchecked.

In addition to examining the tree itself, we evaluate site conditions to determine if there is anything exacerbating the problem. Poor drainage and improper mulching, for example, can all stress trees, making them more susceptible to mite infestations.

Once we have a clear picture of the problem, we will recommend and implement the appropriate treatments. This may include:

• Environmentally Friendly Sprays: For mild to moderate infestations, tree sprays can effectively remove mites and their eggs while simultaneously creating unfavorable conditions for future infestations. Of course, this is all done with horticultural oils and sprays that do not harm the surrounding environment.
• Biological Controls: By introducing natural predators such as lacewings, ladybugs, and other insects, we can establish a balanced ecosystem that naturally regulates pest populations. These beneficial insects specifically target harmful mites while leaving your trees unharmed.

A Healthy Tree Is a Mighty Tree

While mites may be tiny, their impact can be “mitey.” For this reason, it’s important to care for your tree from the canopy to the roots. After all, a well-maintained tree is inherently more resistant to pest infestations. 

To help your tree thrive season after season and year after year, we provide a range of tree care services, including:

• Routine Pruning: Regular tree pruning improves air circulation and sunlight penetration, reducing favorable conditions for mites.
• Deep-Root Fertilization: Fertilizer applications ensure your trees receive essential nutrients to remain strong.
• Disease Monitoring and Treatment: Early detection and treatment of diseases can help prevent secondary issues caused by mite damage.