Wood deadening insects on willow Tree can cause meaning damage , in particular because infestations often go unrecognized or are confused with other problems . distinguish Grant Wood borers that choose willow as hosts as well as the problems they cause and effective control methods . Provide proper care to your willow trees to increase the electric potential for plague avoidance or management .

Proper Care

Willow tree ( Salix species ) are fairly well-heeled to wield ; ply the upkeep they need to avoid borer infestation is often a sufficient method of controller . Grow willow trees in a location that provides full sunshine to highly light tad , accord to the University of Florida IFAS Extension . Willows will thrive in damp soils , but good drain is primal . Waterlogged land provides ideal land for fungal infections that leave tree in descent and undefended to insect job . almost all soil types are acceptable , but avoid extreme alkalinity or acidity .

Wood Borers

Cottonwood borers ( Plectrodera scalator ) are widespread Sir Henry Wood bore insect pests on willow trees , according to Kansas State Research and Extension . These worm also cause problems for Tilia heterophylla and poplar tree . These borers are long - horned beetle that , in the larval stage , display ointment - hue bodies that extend to a length of up to 1 1/2 in . Adults reach up to 1 1/4 inches and display bodies in black with stripes of blank hair .

Symptoms and Damage

Grant Wood boring louse on willow trees feed in both their larval and adult stage . During the end of spring and throughout summertime , adults prey on novel willow growth and jaw fix into barque near the soil line into which they lie down their eggs . Within two weeks , the larvae hatching and tunnel into the trunk or soil . Unfortunately , growers may not notice the trouble or may think damage is associated with other pest like woodpecker , concord to the Texas Agricultural Extension Service . Look for holes as well as a residue that resemble sawdust as a mark of stone drill infestation . Adult damage include the death of shoots that often go down to the undercoat . Larvae provender on and near roots , often destroying internal works tissue result in severe declination , collapse or tree destruction .

Preventive Management

Cottonwood bore bit are considered a " secondary " infestation because they often invade trees that are already ill . Preventive management often inhibits infestation from occurring . Prepare a cultural environment that adheres to your tree diagram ’s need by avoiding uttermost wind , stress and cold injury , when potential . Avoid creating wounds on trees through right pruning and heedful mowing . Sanitize tools such as pruning shears between each cut and each purpose to prevent disease transfer . If your Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree experiences a job , remove and collect stirred flora parts , according to the Texas Agricultural Extension Service .

Chemical Control

For willow Tree that are experience a wood boring insect plague , chemical substance control amount are effective , particularly in conjunction with fear measures that produce Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree health and vigor , according to the Texas Agricultural Extension Service . For cottonwood borers , apply an insect powder with the active ingredient chlorpyrifos . Determine the egg - laying flow for your region and use the insecticide to all voice of the tree during this time . Since chemicals only supply restraint for up to 10 weeks , reapply as call for . Contact your county extension agent for assistance .

References

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