At Texas Tree Surgeons, our arborists have been getting questions about clumps of twigs and leaves falling from a variety of tree species but we mostly see it on cedar elms. These leaves and twigs are dropping too early for Fall, and can begin to accumulate in yards. Why are little twigs falling off my tree?

Twig Girdler Red Flags

• Twigs with green leaves that have fallen
• Tiny branches scattered on the ground
• Twigs falling off trees
• Leaves and small twigs creating a ring around the tree

What are Twig Girdlers?

“Twig girdler” is the common name for several longhorn beetles in the genus Oncideres. Twig girdlers can target any tree species. In late Summer and early Fall (September through November), the adult twig girdlers appear in preparation for the mating season. Once they have mated, the female beetles begin their preparations for laying eggs.

Female twig girdler beetles feed on the tender shoots and bark of young tree growth and lay their eggs in the small segments at the ends of branches. The beetles also remove a notch of bark around the circumference of twigs in which their eggs are laid. The notch around the twig causes it to fall to the ground with leaves attached to it. The eggs hatch in a few days and the beetle larvae live in the fallen twig, eating the plant material throughout the winter. In the spring, the young beetles finish their growth and the adults emerge in the summer, ready for the life cycle to begin again.

How a Texas Tree Surgeons ISA Certified Arborist Diagnosis Twig Girdlers? 

Twig girdlers are not the only cause of unseasonable leaf and twig drop. While arborists often see twig drop from girdlers, squirrels can also cause similar damage. An arborist will closely inspect how the twig was chewed and if eggs can be found, they will take into account the season the leaf drop has occurred, as well as local sightings to determine if the leaf drop is from twig girdlers, or something else.

How Texas Tree Surgeons Treats Twig Girdlers

We do not recommend treating with a chemical insecticide since damage is minimal to the tree’s health.

What can Homeowners do to help their trees with Twig Girdlers?

Once the twigs have fallen, gather up and destroy. Keep monitoring trees during the winter and dispose of any fallen tree material.

What Will Happen to my Tree with Twig Girdlers?

Tree owners will find the damage caused by twig girdlers to be more of a nuisance than serious harm. If you are ever concerned about the health of your tree always reach out to a certified arborist for an assessment.

What species are Texas Tree Surgeons arborists seeing this effect?

• Cedar Elm
• Hickory
• Pecan
• Oak
• Hackberry