How to Prevent Cicadas from Damaging Your Yard

Each summer, the sound of cicadas becomes part of the seasonal soundtrack across much of the United States. While these insects are harmless to people and pets, their activity can raise concerns for homeowners with young trees, shrubs and newly planted landscapes. Even in years without massive cicada outbreaks, their egg-laying habits can still place stress on vulnerable plants.

For homeowners wondering how to prevent cicadas in their yard, the key is understanding what type of cicadas you’re likely to experience and how their behavior affects your landscape. With the right preparation and preventative care, you can protect your trees and shrubs and keep your yard looking healthy throughout the summer. 

Periodical cicadas are known for their dramatic, once-in-a-generation appearances, emerging in massive numbers on a strict 13- or 17-year schedule. These large brood events only impact specific regions and years. Annual cicadas, on the other hand, appear every summer across much of the country in far smaller numbers and are the species most homeowners encounter during typical seasons.

For 2026, that means homeowners can expect a normal cicada year rather than a widespread brood event, including:

• No large brood-level cicada emergence.
• Routine seasonal activity from annual cicada species.
• Localized risk primarily to young trees and thin-branched shrubs.

Because annual cicadas don’t emerge in overwhelming numbers, their overall impact is usually limited and manageable. However, females still lay eggs in small branches, and that egg-laying activity can weaken young growth if preventative steps aren’t taken. This is why even in a quiet year, proactive yard care remains an important part of protecting your landscape. 

It’s common for homeowners to worry about whether cicadas will damage their grass. The good news is that adult cicadas don’t feed on turfgrass, and their underground activity rarely causes harm to established lawns. Most lawn issues that appear during cicada season are actually the result of wildlife such as birds, raccoons or skunks digging in search of cicada nymphs beneath the surface.

During peak activity, you may notice:

• Small soil holes where cicada nymphs have emerged.
• Minor surface disruption from animals foraging for cicadas.
• Temporary cosmetic damage that typically recovers with routine lawn care. 

Preparation is the most effective way to protect your landscape from annual cicadas. Taking action before peak summer activity helps strengthen plants and reduce vulnerability.  

Even in years without major brood events, such as most of the U.S. in 2026, homeowners should still plan ahead. In 2027, the 13-year Brood XXII is expected to emerge around Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but cicadas will remain an annual consideration in many regions.

Before cicada season begins, consider these steps:

• Apply Root-Zone Fertilization: Strengthen tree and shrub root systems to help plants tolerate seasonal stress.
• Prune Vulnerable Branches: Remove weak, damaged or thin branches on young trees to reduce egg-laying sites.
• Add Mulch: Mulching around tree bases helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Maintain Consistent Watering: Regular watering during warm months keeps plants healthy and resilient.
• Monitor Young Trees: Keep a close eye on vulnerable trees once cicadas begin appearing.
• Use Protective Netting: Have netting ready for newly planted or high-value trees and shrubs to prevent egg-laying damage.

Professional care can also make a significant difference. TruGreen’s Tree & Shrub Care services include targeted fertilization, disease management and horticultural treatments designed to help plants stay strong through seasonal stressors like cicada activity.