It's time to band your trees!

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

LET'S BAND TOGETHER TO FIGHT THE FALL CANKERWORM
Leaves are falling; time to get supplies and start banding!

Last spring, Charlotte residents got a welcome reprieve from the annual onslaught of cankerworms dangling from trees and clinging to hair, clothing and everything else in their path. No one knows for sure why they vanished, but city arborists believe cankerworms are still a threat to Charlotte's trees, especially large oaks.

Go ahead and band all your trees, but hold off on applying Tanglefoot to those that still have a lot of leaves on them. Applying Tanglefoot after most leaves are gone ensures a clear, sticky surface that will stop moths from ascending to the canopy to lay their eggs.

---

BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST DURING THE GREAT CANKERWORM COUNT!
You can help us unravel the mystery of last spring's decline in cankerworms during the Great Cankerworm Count. Just band your tree(s) and, after the first frost, track the number of moths on the band for four consecutive weeks. Learn more here.

---

Watch these short videos to see how tree banding works and how to do it yourself!

HOW TO BAND A TREE

Step 1: Get your supplies together. You'll need disposable gloves, a putty knife, a staple gun, electrical tape, cotton batting or pipe insulation, plastic wrap and Tanglefoot™. Here's a list of retailers that carry tree-banding supplies.

Step 2: Install a two-inch strip of cotton or insulation around the tree at least three feet from the ground and the lowest limb. Press it firmly against the tree to minimize any spaces the cankerworm may use to climb under the band. Attach using a staple gun. If you're banding a young or thin-barked tree, skip the staple gun and use electrical tape instead.

Step 2: Wrap the band in plastic wrap, and go around the tree several times. Again, press it firmly against the tree to close up any cracks or spaces against the tree bark.

Step 3: Using disposable gloves and a putty knife, put a film of Tanglefoot™(glue) directly on the band, approximately 1/8” thick.

In order to be effective, all trees need to be banded. The worms feed on all types of trees. Large trees (taller than a two story house) are the main focus of banding. Small trees can also be banded.

The glue Tanglefoot™ should be applied after most of the leaves have fallen. If the trap becomes clogged with leaves or insects, you should clean it and reapply the Tanglefoot™ or install a new trap. The bands should be removed before the end of April.

Download the Let's Band Together brochure to get more information on tree banding and the impact of cankerworms in Charlotte.

Learn more about protecting your trees at http://CharlotteNC.gov/Trees