A routine annual problem on Indiana evergreen hedging. In Greenfield, greenfield was not one of the 23 communities in the Indiana DNR street tree sample, so there is no published species breakdown — the honest picture is a two-tier canopy: mature shade trees dating to the historic district's roughly 1880-1947 build-out over those streets and Riley Park, versus small suburban stock in the newer additions. Statewide, Indiana street tree populations run about 18% silver maple and 34% maple overall; Callery pear is common in 1990s-2000s plantings and as of 2026 is still legal to sell in Indiana, with the amendment that would add it to the Terrestrial Plant Rule pending since 2021 — re-check IDNR before advising a customer. An evergreen stripped by bagworms usually does not regrow those needles — arborvitae and spruce don't refoliate bare wood.
Greenfield's canopy and what's at risk
Greenfield was not one of the 23 communities in the Indiana DNR street tree sample, so there is no published species breakdown — the honest picture is a two-tier canopy: mature shade trees dating to the historic district's roughly 1880-1947 build-out over those streets and Riley Park, versus small suburban stock in the newer additions. Statewide, Indiana street tree populations run about 18% silver maple and 34% maple overall; Callery pear is common in 1990s-2000s plantings and as of 2026 is still legal to sell in Indiana, with the amendment that would add it to the Terrestrial Plant Rule pending since 2021 — re-check IDNR before advising a customer.
What to look for
Small spindle-shaped bags hanging from branches, made of the tree's own needles. Often mistaken for cones.
Whether the tree can be saved
An evergreen stripped by bagworms usually does not regrow those needles — arborvitae and spruce don't refoliate bare wood. Catching them early is the difference between a treatment and a replacement.
Timing in Hancock County
Spray in June when the larvae are small. After midsummer the bags are sealed and spraying does nothing — at that point picking them off by hand is the only option that works.
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