What type of damage do tent caterpillars cause to trees?

Tent caterpillars primarily cause defoliation in hardwood trees. These pests are known to feed on the leaves of deciduous trees, which can significantly impact the plant's ability to photosynthesize and grow. When tent caterpillars infest a tree, they often consume large portions of its foliage, leading to reduced growth and vitality of the tree. This defoliation can weaken a tree, making it more susceptible to disease, pests, and environmental stressors.

Hardwoods, such as oaks, cherries, and maples, are commonly affected by tent caterpillars, as these insects prefer broadleaf trees. The feeding behavior of tent caterpillars is particularly noticeable when the population is high, sometimes resulting in entire trees being stripped of their leaves. While this damage may not kill a healthy tree outright, it can lead to longer-term health issues if defoliation occurs repeatedly across seasons.

Options that suggest tent caterpillars cause serious problems only in the South do not capture the full range of their impact. The assertion that they only affect conifers is inaccurate, as their primary hosts are hardwood species. Additionally, the notion that they do not impact tree growth overlooks the significant consequences that defoliation can have on a tree's overall health and