Prevent Borer Damage

Borers are the larvae of certain beetles or moths. Depending on the species, some adults lay their eggs in tree bark, while others bore directly into the wood.

You may notice sawdust-like residue where borers are tunneling or see sap leaking from wounds that mark entry points. Areas of the tree above the infestation may begin to die back, as the flow of water and nutrients is disrupted.

Although borers are often linked to tree death, they are typically a secondary issue. Most borer damage occurs in new plantings or trees already weakened by drought, sun scorch, or physical injury.

A healthy tree produces enough sap flow to push out invading borers, preventing them from tunneling into the wood. Since there’s no effective treatment once borers are inside the tree, prevention is key.

How to Reduce the Risk of Borer Damage

• Water trees and shrubs during drought conditions

• Mulch around trees to retain soil moisture

• Avoid injury from mowers and weed trimmers near the base of the tree

• Limit insect and disease stress through proper tree and shrub care
  

Our tree and shrub program includes the right fertilization and pest monitoring to help keep your landscape healthy and resilient.

If you have any questions or concerns about borer damage, feel free to contact us.