Check your trees for invasive pests

In between beach days and backyard barbecues, the end of summer is a good time to examine your trees for signs of hazardous invasive insects.

The USDA has named August as Tree Check Month to encourage homeowners to look for and report new infestations of the Asian longhorned beetle, an invasive wood-boring insect that attacks maples, elms, horse chestnuts, birches, willows and other hardwood trees. “Ordinary people who spot invasive bugs are important allies of the scientists and arborists who work to control them,” said Tricia Bethke, forest pest outreach coordinator at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. “Spotting the insects and their damage early means saving more trees.”

Here are some threats to have in mind as you look over your trees. If you see troubling signs, take pictures and conta