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| I've had a few dead branches here and there on my Fagus sylvatica. When I grasp the branch, it easily breaks off. After following a tunnel just beneath the bark, their is some type of worm boring in the tree. It kind of resembles the flatheaded appletree borer larvae. Any experience or opinions? I'll probably apply a dose of systemic imidacloprid.
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Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by wisconsitom 4/5 WI (My Page) on Thu, Aug 30, 12 at 21:53
| Without doing the research, I can only agree that you've got some type of borer there. Is the damage extensive? If not, it may possibly not even warrant treatment. But you have the right idea on what type of product to use, if you go that route. +oM |
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| It's just on a few small branches here and there.....I think?? Maybe the branches are dying because they're so small in comparison to the borer. I guess these things could be in the whole tree? I know the lower main trunk is fine without cracks or tunnels. The tree looks fine overall. It's only 9-10 ft tall. I'll have to investigate further after the current Isaac rainfall and 35 mph wind subdues. Thanks |
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| Is this something that can affect Beech? I'm a bit confusious here. I have apple trees too, well, they're my dad's. Apple is Malus, right? Is there just a name confusion, and it affects both species?Somebody set me straight here. |
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| I found references listing pest of Fagus sylvatica. "Flatheaded appletree borer attacks a variety of rose family trees including crabapple, hawthorn, serviceberry, mountain ash, and ornamental pears, plums, and cherries. It also attacks maple, ash, and a variety of other trees." "Borers such as flat-headed appletree borer or two-lined chestnut borer bore into trees weakened by some stress." The following link from Univ Tenn helps identify flatheaded appletree borers. Apparently, chemical control should be done in late winter - early summer. Anyone know if applying systemic imidacloprid now will be effective or do I need to wait? Thanks |
Here is a link that might be useful: Identifying the Flatheaded Appletree Borer
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- Posted by wisconsitom 4/5 WI (My Page) on Fri, Aug 31, 12 at 0:17
| I'm now concerned about your tree having learned it is so small. Yes, you'll want to do something about that. I believe imidacloprid-based soil-drench products are commonly fall-applied for other insect problems on other trees. Just going off the top of my head here...not looking at a label. But now, or quite soon, could be an effective time to apply. BTW, is Am. beech native to your area? Seems kind of far S. although you may be in the Ozarks. Just curious. +oM |
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| I live in central Arkansas. Fagus isn't native to this area. I planted this tree January 2012. I have other Fagus sylvatica cultivars that are doing fine. These borers could have came in the tree from the grower.....wouldn't be the first time either. Considering it's a fairly recent B&B planting, its planted out of or very close edge of growing zone, and the terrible summer conditions, it is most certainly stressed. Ill apply the systemic product as soon as I can. I really need to look very close at all my beech trees. |
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| That looks more like a roundheaded borer larva (Cerambycidae) than a flatheaded borer (Buprestidae), although it could just be a trick of the perspective. Most species of both families primarily infest stressed, dying and recently dead material, so I'd consider it a symptom of the tree's problems rather than the primary cause. |
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- Posted by wisconsitom 4/5 WI (My Page) on Fri, Aug 31, 12 at 19:32
| Abc, did you perchance get some decent moisture from Isaac? That would help greatly of course. It seems you've got a pretty good handle on things. Do your inspection and follow-up treatments as you suggest. Overall though, it is going to take a more thorough-going adjustment of growing conditions, if such be possible, to keep such a genus (Fagus) happy. +oM |
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Sat, Sep 1, 12 at 8:01
| i would go with the bayer tree and shrub systemic.. applied according to instructions.. one treatment will wipe them out.. and you should probably be set for life ... if any remain.. or eggs are there.. the tree will be able to handle them next season.. breaking the cycle ... but tree do go dormant.. so it probably has to be done soon .. or not until next spring.. there is an 800 number on all bayer products.. and i have been known to call and ask them about such ... key words .. free call ... i didnt see how long you have had it . i have had a couple things come from the nursery.. with such problems ... mostly foo foo birch ... and i suspect a couple conifers ... i would suggest you be properly pruning your tree.. not breaking pieces off.. simply to avoid larger wounds.. or tearing of bark ... the reason i would not hesitate with a borer type bug..is .. well.. you dont know what is inside the tree ... and unlike surface bugs.. they wont go away.. when the leaves fall off ... a pic of the whole might change my mind ... ken |
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