SIGNS OF BORER INSECTS IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS

​WHAT ARE BORER INSECTS? Call (817) 502-9402.

For an arbor care professional, borer insects are taken very seriously. Once borer insects have invaded the tree's bark and are reproducing they become difficult to control. If not halted quickly, these insects can cause serious damage to the tree and eventually kill it. They gain entrance through the tree's bark and shut down the tree's vascular system. This prevents the tree from adequately dispersing nutrients and water throughout its structure and through its branches. Unfortunately, the majority of the damage these insects cause is on the inside of the tree and cannot be easily seen. An infected tree will first have a general ailing appearance, leaf loss and thinning foliage. Small holes in the tree's bark and branches indicate their presence.

ARE BORER INSECTS COMMON IN FORT WORTH?

There are many borer insects prevalent in north Texas. The largest is the cottonwood borer beetle that is black and cream and targets cottonwood, willow and poplar trees. Wood borers include flathead beetles, clearwing moths and the rhododendron borer. These attack ornamental trees, shade tree varieties, fruit trees and shrubs. The emerald ash borer is a green beetle that invades only ash trees and that has killed over 200 million ash trees in the United States. These insects are a serious tree care problem in our community.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY TREE FROM BORER INSECTS?

Protecting your tree's health is key! Providing supportive health treatments such as deep root fertilization, systemic deep root feeding and tree growth regulators increases the tree's immunity. Wounds can make trees vulnerable to invasion so guarding your tree from accidental wounds caused by excessive activity within close range of the tree or regular lawn maintenance is essential. Strong, healthy trees have a higher resistance to insect pests and tree diseases. An experienced tree company is able to advise you and administer health-supportive treatments.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ELIMINATE BORER INSECTS?

Insecticide applications and trunk injections administered by an arborist that treats sick trees may be effective providing the tree is only mildly infested. Any dead or severely infested trees must be eliminated and destroyed by a professional tree service, as well as fallen branches or ground debris. This will eliminate many insects and larvae. Tree pruning by a tree trimming service eliminates insect eggs that are hidden in bark crevices. It is imperative to contact an arbor care expert immediately when you suspect that your tree is declining, as early treatment is essential.

Updated on March 1, 2019 at 12:20 pm by Tree Service Fort Worth.