Field guide · Central Connecticut
Know your trees.
Warning signs, the pests hitting Connecticut trees, and straight answers — from the crew that takes the dangerous ones down.
01Risk check
Is your tree a risk?
Tick what you can see from the ground. A minute here tells you whether to call today or book a look.
Pick what you see — the result shows here.
A guide, not an inspection — when in doubt, have the tree looked at. Warning signs from the Arbor Day Foundation (opens in a new tab).
02Connecticut tree threats
What's hitting our trees.
Four pests and diseases from the state's watch list that kill or weaken the trees around Connecticut homes.
Ash
Emerald ash borer
In Connecticut since 2012; now statewide
Look for
- D-shaped exit holes in the bark
- Thinning and dieback at the top of the tree
- Woodpeckers stripping bark in patches
Infested ash decline and die. CT DEEP asks residents to report declining ash that may endanger people or structures.
When to look: Any time of year
Source: CT DEEP: Emerald ash borer (opens in a new tab)Beech
Beech leaf disease
First found in Connecticut in 2019; now widespread
Look for
- Dark bands between the leaf veins
- Shrunken, crinkled, leathery leaves
- Early leaf drop and thinning crowns
Caused by a microscopic nematode. Young beech can die within 1–5 years, mature trees within 6–10.
When to look: From spring leaf-out to fall
Source: CT DEEP: Beech leaf disease (opens in a new tab)Oak (also beech, birch, maple)
Spongy moth
Outbreaks in 2015–2018 and 2021–2022
Look for
- Hairy caterpillars stripping leaves in May and June
- Bare trees by the end of June
- Droppings filling gutters
Repeated defoliation plus drought can kill oaks — the 2015–2018 outbreak left significant oak mortality.
When to look: May and June
Source: CT DEEP: The spongy moth in Connecticut (opens in a new tab)Hemlock
Hemlock woolly adelgid
Reported in 1985; statewide by 1997
Look for
- Small white woolly tufts under the needles
- Thin, grayish foliage
- Little or no new growth
The adelgid stops new growth; untreated hemlocks can die within about four years.
When to look: Easiest to see March–May
Source: CT DEEP: Hemlock woolly adelgid (opens in a new tab)
Treatment decisions belong with a licensed arborist. When a tree is too far gone or has become a hazard to the house, JLO takes it down safely. See CT DEEP's full list of threats (opens in a new tab).
Tree down after a storm?
What to do in the first hour.
Are you insured?
Yes. JLO Tree Service LLC is fully insured.
Do you work with a licensed arborist?
Yes. Trimming and pruning are done in collaboration with licensed arborist Danny Briggs of Ascending Tree Care (PMCS.0006606).
Are estimates free?
Yes. We look at the trees and the site and give you a free quote for the work.
How much does tree removal cost?
Every job is priced after a free look, because the same tree can be a quick job in an open yard or a crane job over a house. What changes the price: the tree's size and condition, what's under it (house, wires, fences), how the crew can reach it, and the clean-up.
How quickly can you come out?
We do our best to respond within 24 hours. For storm damage or a tree on a house, call 860-938-5809 — JLO is on call 24/7.
Can you reach a tree in my backyard?
Usually, yes. JLO's CMC 92HD+ spider lift is 35 inches wide, so it fits through a standard 36-inch gate, then reaches 92 feet up and 46 feet out. It sets up on ground mats to protect the lawn.
Do you clean up afterward?
Yes. Wood and debris are cleaned up before we leave, so your yard is ready to use.
Can I send photos instead of waiting for a visit?
Yes — text photos to 860-938-5809, or add them to the quote form (JPG, PNG and iPhone photos all work).
Do you work in winter?
Yes. JLO works all year round, including winter removals.
Do you do commercial work?
Yes — tree work for homeowners and businesses alike.
Which towns do you serve?
Avon, Bloomfield, Bristol, Burlington, Canton, East Hartford, Farmington, Glastonbury, Manchester, New Britain, Newington, Plainville, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, South Windsor, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor and Windsor Locks. Not on the list? Call 860-938-5809 and ask.
Do you really rescue cats from trees for free?
Yes. Julian has rescued cats for years and never charges for it — including Chleo, who spent 8 days up a tree in New Britain. Call or text 860-938-5809.
→Next step
Tell us about the tree.
Free estimates. We do our best to respond within 24 hours.
- 01Request a quoteCall or text 860-938-5809, or send the quote form. We do our best to respond within 24 hours.
- 02Free estimateWe review the trees and the site and give you a free quote for the work.
- 03Professional tree workThe crew brings the right setup for the job — spider lift, climbers, bucket truck or crane.
- 04Clean-upWood and debris are cleaned up before we leave, so your yard is ready to use.
Estimate request
Free · no obligation