Eliminating beetle damage to spruce trees
What is causing damage to the bark of my spruce tree and how do I eliminate the problem?
**FULL QUESTION**
Dear *Gardening Life*,
I have a mature spruce (about 50 feet tall and maybe 30 to 40 years old) in my yard and I discovered piles of sawdust around the base of tree and large half-inch holes in the trunk. I found a large mottled grey-brown beetle on the bark but am not sure if it is the culprit. What could be causing this damage and should I be concerned and take action?
*— Donnalynn Kent-Ryan, Huntsville, ON*
**FULL ANSWER**
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 (www.isaontario.com) and click on “Find an Arborist”.
Good luck and I hope you can save your tree.
*—Karen York, Botanical Editor*
Other questions recently answered by the GL team:
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
Beetle damage to spruce trees
Removing whiteflies from hibiscus leaves
Building a cactus garden
Maintaining redbud trees
Maintaining Boston ivy growth
Using black walnut leaves for mulch
Stopping powdery mildew on maples
Planting trees near a swale
Growing on a septic field
How to battle weeds between flagstone and alternative options
Mysterious orange powder on the lawn
What to do with end-of-season potatoes on the vine
How to control Japanese knotweed
What to grow in a dry area
The proper way to plant astrantia
What is the star flower and how do I manage it?
How do I eliminate my ant problem?
Preventing red beetles from attacking lilies
Vine types to grow on a new pergola
Maintaining purple fountain grass
Keeping bougainvilllea healthy throughout the winer
How to rid invasive green goutweed
Good garden uses for fireplace ashes
Growing grape hyacinth indoors
The best way to convert a lawn into a meadow
The proper way to grow rhododendrons
(continued below)
Be the first to comment on "Eliminating 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.