In this CityScene Columbus article, Jacob Burns from Davey's West Columbus office discusses how you can protect your yard from invasive species such as spotted lanternfly.

Posted: July 15, 2024

Trees tend to be a stable presence in our lives, so it’s easy to forget they need care and attention each season to ensure proper growth. Jacob Burns, an arborist for the West Columbus Davey Tree office, says the spotted lanternfly – a pesky invasive species new to central Ohio – should be on your radar this season. 

“This is an invasive species; that means there are no natural predators for it and it goes crazy on everything,” Burns says. “The closest county it’s been to us has been Fairfield County, so it is getting closer, especially to the Grove City area.”

Lanternflies lay eggs in April and May, and their nymphs – which are black with white spots – emerge in late spring. As they mature, they turn red and don black spots. Because of typical pest maturation cycles, the USDA officially declared August Tree Check Month. They won’t bite or sting humans; they are only a physical threat to plants around your home.

To learn about warning signs and how you can treat your plants affected by invasive species, click here. 

For more information, contact the West Columbus Davey office. 

The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental and utility infrastructure consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. Established in 1880 and headquartered in Kent, Ohio, Davey has over 12,000 employees who create and deliver sustainable solutions. Davey continues to grow through expertise with the SEED Campus, its newest commitment to training, research and safety. Become part of the Davey legacy by applying today and join one of the top ten largest employee-owned companies in the U.S.

Other News Posts

Screenshot 2026 04 14 113552
Davey In The News

Davey Tree Helps Plant 'Triples for Trees' with Detroit Tigers

Sandee Reid, executive vice president, corporate communications and strategic planning, shares how the 'Triples for Trees' program planted 32 trees in Detroit this week increasing the air quality and urban canopy coverage for the community.
Read More
Screenshot (28)
Davey In The News

Controlled burn makes way for new life in Trumbull County, Ohio

Tom Becker from Davey Resource Group (DRG), a subsidiary of The Davey Tree Expert Company, talks about how the controlled burn that DRG held at the Air Heritage Trail will benefit the landscape and stimulate growth.
Read More
Two Employees (1)
Two Employees (1)

Get In Touch With Us!

We pride ourselves at Davey Tree on providing prompt, professional and personalized service from certified arborists that live, work and engage in your community. Contact one of our Davey Tree specialists for your residential, commercial, utility, or environmental needs.

Let's Find What
You're Looking For!