We are seeing an increased number of Birch Trees being demolished by the bronze birch borer in Boise, Meridian and Eagle. The bronze birch borer is a wood boring beetle that attacks all types of birch trees. (Say that 3 times fast!)
These borers are damage causing insects that primarily attack unhealthy trees that are stressed due to a lack of nutrients, drought, compacted soil, aphids, and all types of other insect damage. The larvae feed on the inner sapwood disrupting the flow of water and nutrients. This is why you typically notice random die back of limbs throughout the tree where borer damage has occurred.
A few simple ways to determine if this is happening to your birch trees:
Yellowing foliage — It usually appears first in the upper portion of the tree (the crown). If it’s a serious infestation, it will cause branches to start dying. A hot summer can actually kill a birch tree in one season.
Raised ridges — If you see a raised ridge, often in a zig zag under the bark, it’s a sure sign. If you were to cut back the bark, you would see the tunneling caused by the larvae.
Holes in the bark — When the adult borers emerge from the tree, they bore out a small hole, and usually is accompanied by sap.
The below image shows untreated Birch Trees over just a few seasons:
The best way to control borer insects, is through a tree care program which is intended to keep the trees healthy and insect free. A preventative systemic treatment along with a regular treatment plan is what is needed along with proper watering.
We have specialized programs to meet the needs of your landscape and we have 7 ISA Certified Arborists on staff that can prescribe the right plan for your trees and shrubs.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for a FREE no obligation analysis.
