MassLive Features SavATree Expert on the Spotted Lanternfly's Spread Across Massachusetts

August 2026

Karl Hunter, Branch Manager of SavATree's Hadley, Massachusetts office, was featured in MassLive discussing the spread of the invasive spotted lanternfly across Western Massachusetts and the growing impact it's having on local homeowners.

The article examined how the spotted lanternfly, first spotted in Springfield several years ago, has become firmly established in Hampden County and is now moving north into Hampshire, Franklin, and southern Berkshire counties. The pest feeds on the sap of more than 100 plant species and leaves behind a sticky residue called honeydew that creates a nuisance well beyond the trees it damages.

Hunter, who is fielding a growing number of calls from homeowners across a dozen Hampden County communities, described the mess these insects leave in their wake. As spotted lanternflies feed, they excrete honeydew, a sugar-rich residue that can cascade down a heavily infested tree and draw in wasps, hornets, and other insects hunting for the sugar. His firsthand account reflects exactly what SavATree brings to every property: credentialed, experienced arborists who see these insect pressures on the ground and know how to manage them before they compromise tree and landscape health.

Why it matters: While spotted lanternflies pose only a minor risk to mature trees, they can weaken young trees, stress plants already under pressure, and turn patios, furniture, and vehicles into a sticky mess. Staying ahead of an infestation starts with an accurate assessment from a qualified arborist who can identify host plants, monitor for activity, and recommend the right course of action.

If you're seeing spotted lanternflies on your property or want to protect your trees and shrubs from invasive pests, SavATree's ISA Certified Arborists can evaluate your landscape during a complimentary consultation and recommend a management plan tailored to your property.

Read the full article here