Beetle damage to spruce trees
What insect is eating away at my spruce tree and should I take action?
**FULL QUESTION**
Dear Gardening Life,
I have a mature spruce that is about 50 feet tall and maybe 30 to 40 years old. I just discovered piles of sawdust around the base of the tree and large half-inch holes in the trunk. I found a large mottled, grey brown beetle on the bark but I’m not sure if it is the culprit. What could be causing this damage and should I be concerned and take action?
*—Donnalynn*
**FULL ANSWER**
Hi Donnalynn,
Yes I do think you should be very concerned. It sounds as if it could be spruce bark beetle damage and it can be fatal to your tree. I suggest you get a certified arborist in to inspect the tree, assess the degree of infestation, diagnose the culprit and apply treatment. To ensure you get a qualified person, check out the website of the Ontario chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and click on “Find an Arborist”.
*—Karen York, GL Botanical Editor*
Other questions recently answered by the GL team:
What to grow underneath evergreens
Growing healthy rhododendrons
Finding barren strawberry
Lilacs that just won't flower
Controlling weeds without chemicals
Getting rid of pesky iris borers
Finding crabgrass seeds
Planting under maple trees
Discouraging cats from your garden
Hints for growing sweet bell peppers
Buying exotic plants in Toronto
Preventing brown leaf spot
Information on peony-flowered poppies
Tips for growing tulips and lilies
When to move irises
Maintaining blue spruces
The best way to grow gunneras
Getting rid of sawfly larvae on roses
Eliminating earwigs from clematis flowers
(continued below)
Be the first to comment on "Beetle damage to spruce trees"
Editor's note: This is a moderated forum, so your comments won't appear until approved by the moderator. Please help us foster a friendly environment by keeping your posts civil and on-point. We reserve the right to delete comments that include foul language, personal attacks on others, sales solicitations or any other inappropriate content. Posted comments reflect the opinions of the poster, not of gardeninglife.ca. Read our privacy policy for more information.