Do Cicadas Damage Landscaping?

When the warm weather arrives, so do the cicadas, emerging from their underground slumber after years of dormancy. These buzzing insects are a familiar sight and sound in many regions, but their presence often raises concerns among homeowners about potential damage to their landscaping. So, do cicadas damage landscaping, and if so, how? Let's delve into this common query and explore the impact of these periodic insects on our outdoor spaces.

Cicadas, particularly the annual species, are known for their loud, rhythmic buzzing that can be quite annoying. However, when it comes to their impact on landscaping, the picture is not as straightforward as their noise might suggest. While they can cause some minor issues, the damage is generally minimal and temporary. Let's break down their potential effects under two main topics: tree damage and plant disruption.

Tree Damage

Cicadas spend most of their lives as nymphs underground, feeding on sap from tree roots. When they emerge as adults, they climb trees to shed their exoskeletons and mate. This behavior might lead you to believe that they could cause significant harm to trees. However, the reality is quite different.

Adult cicadas feed on tree sap using their piercing mouthparts, but this feeding does not cause significant damage to healthy trees. The small holes they create are usually insignificant and heal quickly. Moreover, cicadas prefer older trees with larger trunks, which are better equipped to withstand any minor damage. Younger trees or those already stressed by disease or poor care may be more vulnerable, but even in these cases, the impact is typically minimal.

Tree Holes and Oozing Sap

One of the most noticeable signs of cicada activity on trees is the presence of small, irregular holes in the bark. These holes are where the cicadas have inserted their mouthparts to feed on sap. While these holes might look concerning, they usually do not cause long-term damage to the tree. The tree's natural healing process will eventually close these holes, leaving barely visible scars.

You might also notice sap oozing from these holes, which can be quite messy. While this sight might be unpleasant, it's a normal response by the tree to the cicada's feeding. The sap flow will stop once the cicada has moved on, and the tree will continue to grow and heal.

Cicada Killer Wasps

While adult cicadas themselves cause minimal damage, their presence can attract predators like cicada killer wasps. These wasps can cause more significant damage to trees as they create nests in the ground, often near the base of trees. The wasps will capture cicadas and bring them back to their nests to feed their larvae, which can lead to small, bare patches of soil around the tree.

However, this damage is usually localized and does not pose a significant threat to the tree's health. Moreover, the presence of cicada killer wasps indicates a healthy ecosystem, as they help control cicada populations and are beneficial for gardens by pollinating plants.

Plant Disruption

While cicadas primarily feed on tree sap, they may also feed on the sap of other plants, including shrubs and perennials. However, their impact on these plants is generally minor and does not cause long-term damage. The small holes they create usually heal quickly, and the plants continue to grow and thrive.

One potential issue with cicadas feeding on plants is the transmission of plant diseases. Cicadas can carry and transmit plant pathogens, such as fungi and bacteria, from one plant to another through their mouthparts. However, this is not a common occurrence and is more likely to happen in plants that are already stressed or diseased.

Cicada Brood Emergence

A more significant concern for landscaping is the emergence of large cicada broods, which can occur every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species. During these emergence events, the sheer number of cicadas can cause temporary disruptions to plants and trees. The cicadas may strip leaves and bark from young trees and shrubs, causing temporary defoliation and stress.

However, these events are short-lived, and the trees and plants usually recover once the cicadas have moved on. Moreover, the emergence of large broods is a natural phenomenon that plays an essential role in the ecosystem, providing a food source for many predators and helping to control insect populations.

Cicada Nymphs and Soil Health

While adult cicadas feed on tree sap, their nymphal stage feeds on the sap of tree roots. This feeding can temporarily disrupt the flow of nutrients and water to the tree, but it does not cause long-term damage. In fact, the presence of cicada nymphs in the soil can actually benefit soil health by aerating the soil and creating small channels for water and nutrient flow.

Furthermore, the nymphs' feeding activity helps to control the populations of other root-feeding insects, such as grubs and borers, which can cause significant damage to trees and plants. By preying on these insects, cicada nymphs help maintain a healthy balance in the soil ecosystem.

In conclusion, while cicadas can cause some minor, temporary damage to landscaping, their overall impact is generally minimal and temporary. The damage they cause is usually outweighed by the benefits they provide to the ecosystem, such as controlling insect populations and aiding soil health. Instead of viewing cicadas as pests, consider them a natural part of the seasonal cycle, and embrace their presence as a sign of the changing seasons. If you're concerned about the health of your trees and plants, focus on providing them with proper care and maintenance, which will help them withstand any minor damage caused by cicadas or other insects. Embrace the buzz, and enjoy the fleeting presence of these fascinating insects in your outdoor space.