Palo verde tree damage - Ask Extension
Hi there, I'm pretty sure my palo verde tree is suffering from major beetle damage. Many branches are dead, it barely leafed out, and there are many h...
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Palo verde tree damage #261543
Asked July 13, 2015, 2:12 PM EDT
Hi there, I'm pretty sure my palo verde tree is suffering from major beetle damage. Many branches are dead, it barely leafed out, and there are many holes in the ground that are very very deep. I will take advantage of the holes and do deep watering, but what else can I do to save it?
Pima County Arizona
Expert Response
Hi,
Can you send a photo of the tree?
Peter
Can you send a photo of the tree?
Peter
Photo of tree - you can see how few leaves there are.
branch photo is example of how dead/dying branches look - last year I thought it was frost damage too.
beetles we caught last night when watering holes.
branch photo is example of how dead/dying branches look - last year I thought it was frost damage too.
beetles we caught last night when watering holes.
Hi,
Thanks, the photos are a big help. I think you need to have your tree pruned to get rid of the dead and damaged branches. I recommend using a certified arborist so the quality of the work is more or less guaranteed. The palo verde beetles you collected are very common during the monsoon season and not a big concern. If the tree is healthy, it should be able to withstand a few beetles. They likely made the holes you are using. Watering is best done with a drip irrigation system on a timer so you can accomplish it on a schedule and more efficiently. Desert trees like this need a good soak once every two to three weeks in the summer down to about 24 to 36 inches. It's important to put your irrigation emitters around the root zone near the outside of the crown of the tree so it reaches the absorbing roots.
Peter
Thanks, the photos are a big help. I think you need to have your tree pruned to get rid of the dead and damaged branches. I recommend using a certified arborist so the quality of the work is more or less guaranteed. The palo verde beetles you collected are very common during the monsoon season and not a big concern. If the tree is healthy, it should be able to withstand a few beetles. They likely made the holes you are using. Watering is best done with a drip irrigation system on a timer so you can accomplish it on a schedule and more efficiently. Desert trees like this need a good soak once every two to three weeks in the summer down to about 24 to 36 inches. It's important to put your irrigation emitters around the root zone near the outside of the crown of the tree so it reaches the absorbing roots.
Peter
