Specific effects and types of losses that occur depend on functional structure attacked, and on age, stage of growth, species, and health of the trees. Insects associated with Alabama trees have been subjects of observation and study at the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station for a number of years. The following is a general summation of findings accumulated through the years, and is offered as a guide to recognition and habits of some of the species encountered. The importance of these species as pests often depends on the type of forest or tree situation. For example, a species that is of no economic importance in a natural stand may be a serious pest among high-value trees in an urban landscape, seed orchard, or other special situation.
All sections are subject to attack by a variety of insects.
For the most part, however, each section has its own complex of insect species, with the complex associated with each section differing generally from that of the other.