The buzz of the cicadas is gone, and it is safe to sit in your backyard again. But their lingering effects are still visible.
Many trees in south central Indiana have small clusters of dead leaves and branches. This appearance is known as flagging, and it marks where cicadas laid their eggs.
Roger Hangarter, Indiana University distinguished professor of biology, said some people wrap young, ornamental trees to avoid flagging. However, the results of flagging are similar to traditional pruning. Both entail removing distal branches in order to encourage future growth.
“I don’t think it’s harmful for the trees, and some trees it might be beneficial,” he said. “The way they will get bushier because you cut the tips off and that will allow more buds to come out.”
Hangarter said cicada eggs will hatch in August. Nymphs will quickly make their way into the ground until their next emergence in 2038.
