If youve ever seen small, circular objects resembling helicopters floating around in spring, then youve likely encountered maple tree helicopters.
While these little helicopters may look charming, they can actually be quite a nuisance and take away from the beauty of your yard.
Whether youre looking to get rid of them now or prevent them from happening in the future, this article will provide you with all the information you need.
Read on to learn about what maple tree helicopters actually are and the best ways to get rid of them, as well as tips for prevention.
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Short Answer
The best way to get rid of maple tree helicopters is to rake them up when they fall onto the ground.
This can help prevent them from becoming a nuisance.
You can also use a leaf blower to blow them away from the area.
If the helicopters are still present after these steps, you may need to use a chemical spray to kill the maple tree helicopters.
Be sure to follow the directions on the label and wear protective gloves and clothing when applying the product.
What are Maple Tree Helicopters?
Maple tree helicopters, or samaras, are the distinctive seedpods that are produced by maple trees such as the red maple, silver maple, and sugar maple.
Each samara is shaped like a small whirlybird with a long tail, and they are a common sight in the springtime as they flutter to the ground from the trees.
Samara are produced by maple trees as a way to disperse their seeds, and they are known for their ability to fly long distances in the wind.
While these seedpods can be quite beautiful, they can also be a nuisance if they are not managed.
They can accumulate in large numbers on lawns and flower beds, and they can also germinate and give rise to new maple trees.
For these reasons, it is important to understand how to effectively get rid of maple tree helicopters.
Trimming Away the Problem
When it comes to getting rid of maple tree helicopters, trimming back the tree and removing any dead or hanging branches is the first step.
This not only helps to reduce the amount of helicopters in your landscape, but it can also improve the overall health of the tree.
Depending on the size of the tree, you may want to consider hiring a professional tree service to do the trimming for you.
They can make sure that the tree is properly pruned and that any dead or damaged branches are removed.
This is especially important if you have a large tree that is difficult to reach.
Once the trimming is complete, you should rake up any fallen helicopters to prevent them from spreading.
This is important because the helicopters can easily be spread to other parts of your property, resulting in an even larger infestation.
If you have a large area to cover, you may want to consider investing in a leaf blower as they can make the job much easier and faster.
Finally, applying a mulch around the base of the tree is a great way to suffocate the helicopters and prevent them from germinating.
A thick layer of mulch can help to keep the helicopters from getting enough air and light to survive.
Additionally, the mulch can help to retain moisture, which can also help to prevent the helicopters from germinating.
Rake Up Fallen Helicopters
When it comes to ridding your landscape of maple tree helicopters, one of the most effective methods is to rake up any fallen helicopters.
This will help to prevent them from spreading and help reduce their presence in the landscape.
Simply use a rake to gather up any helicopters that have already fallen from the tree and dispose of them in a trash bag or compost bin.
You should also be sure to rake up any helicopters that may have fallen into the grass or onto other surfaces.
Its important to be thorough when doing this, as even a few helicopters can quickly spread and cause an infestation.
Additionally, you should rake up any helicopters that are still hanging from the tree, as these can still release more helicopters and cause more of a problem.
Raking up the helicopters is an important step in helping to get rid of maple tree helicopters, as it can prevent them from spreading and create a healthier environment in your landscape.
Applying Mulch to the Base of the Tree
When it comes to controlling maple tree helicopters, applying mulch to the base of the tree is an important step to take.
Mulch is a protective layer of material, such as wood chips, that can be spread around the tree’s base to help suffocate the helicopters and prevent them from germinating.
Not only will mulch provide a barrier to keep the helicopters from taking root, but it will also help to retain soil moisture and keep the roots of the tree cool.
This is especially important in the summer months when heat can be detrimental to the tree’s health.
When mulching the tree, it is important to spread the material evenly around the base, making sure to leave a few inches of space between the tree trunk and the mulch.
This will allow the tree to breathe and provide a space for any water to drain away, preventing root rot.
Additionally, it is important to regularly inspect the mulch and remove any fallen helicopters that may have landed in it.
By applying mulch around the base of the tree and regularly inspecting it, you can help to reduce the presence of maple tree helicopters in your landscape.
Insecticide and Herbicide Treatment
Insecticide and herbicide treatments are often the most effective way to get rid of maple tree helicopters.
When applied correctly, these treatments can suppress the helicopter’s growth and spread.
For best results, it’s important to apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Applying the treatment in late summer or early fall is typically recommended, as this is when the helicopters will be in their early stages of development.
The type of insecticide or herbicide used will depend on the particular species of maple tree.
For example, certain herbicides are more effective at controlling certain types of helicopters than others.
When in doubt, it’s best to consult a professional or refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product you’re using.
Insecticides are generally effective at killing the adult helicopters, while herbicides are more effective at preventing further growth.
Both treatments should be applied thoroughly around the base of the tree, as well as on any infected branches.
If possible, it’s best to avoid spraying the foliage directly, as this can damage the tree.
In addition to insecticide and herbicide treatments, it’s a good idea to rake up any fallen helicopters to prevent them from spreading.
Additionally, applying a mulch around the base of the tree can help to suffocate the helicopters and prevent them from germinating.
By following these steps, you can reduce or eliminate the presence of maple tree helicopters in your landscape.
As with any chemical treatment, it’s important to read and follow all instructions carefully to ensure the safety of your plants, pets, and family.
How to Prevent Maple Tree Helicopters
Getting rid of maple tree helicopters can be a difficult task, but there are several steps you can take to reduce their presence in your landscape.
The first step is to trim back the tree to remove any dead or hanging branches that may be producing the seeds.
This can help to reduce the number of helicopters produced, as well as help to keep the tree healthy.
Additionally, it is important to rake up any fallen helicopters to prevent them from spreading.
Doing this regularly can help to keep the number of helicopters in the area under control.
Next, applying a mulch around the base of the tree can help to suffocate the helicopters and prevent them from germinating.
Mulches such as wood chips or straw can be used to cover the ground around the trees base.
This helps to keep the soil moist and also hinders the germination of the helicopters.
Finally, applying a herbicide or insecticide may be necessary to eliminate any remaining helicopters.
Herbicides such as glyphosate can be used to kill off the helicopters and prevent them from germinating.
Additionally, insecticides such as imidacloprid can be used to kill off the adult maple tree helicopters.
These products are available at most gardening and home improvement stores and should be applied according to the manufacturers instructions.
By following these steps, you can effectively reduce or eliminate the presence of maple tree helicopters in your landscape.
Doing this regularly can help to ensure that your property looks neat and tidy, and is free of these pesky invaders.
What to Do if the Problem Persists
If you’ve taken the steps outlined above and still find yourself unable to get rid of the maple tree helicopters, there are a few other options to consider.
First, if the maple tree is located in a densely populated area or near a sidewalk or roadway, you may need to consider hiring a professional to take care of the problem.
Professionals can use specialized equipment to effectively trim the tree, remove any dead or hanging branches, and apply herbicides and insecticides to eliminate any remaining helicopters.
Another option is to prune the tree in the wintertime when the helicopters are dormant.
This will allow you to take a more targeted approach to removing the helicopters, as you can focus on pruning the branches that are producing the most helicopters.
It’s important to note that this will not eliminate all of the helicopters, but it may help to reduce the number that are present.
Finally, you can always opt to buy a special type of netting or screen to cover the tree.
This will prevent the helicopters from getting into the environment and may be a good solution if you don’t want to take more drastic measures.
The downside is that it can be very expensive and may not be aesthetically pleasing.
No matter what approach you take, it’s important to remember that getting rid of maple tree helicopters is not an easy task.
It takes dedication, patience, and an understanding of the problem in order to effectively reduce or eliminate them.
However, with the right steps, you can successfully get rid of maple tree helicopters and enjoy a beautiful landscape.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of maple tree helicopters is not a simple task but it is something that can be done.
By following the steps outlined in this article, such as trimming away any dead or hanging branches, raking up any fallen helicopters and applying mulch around the base of the tree, you can effectively reduce or eliminate the presence of maple tree helicopters in your landscape.
If the problem persists, you may need to apply a herbicide or insecticide to eliminate any remaining helicopters.
With these steps, you can take action to prevent and reduce the presence of maple tree helicopters in your landscape.