Tree bark damage - Ask Extension
Our styrax japonicus has bark damage at the base of the tree. When I flake away loose bark I find tiny pill or sow bug like insects. Are they the culp...
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Tree bark damage #365655
Asked September 25, 2016, 3:48 PM EDT
Our styrax japonicus has bark damage at the base of the tree. When I flake away loose bark I find tiny pill or sow bug like insects. Are they the culprit, or are they taking advantage of the punky bark?
Tillamook County Oregon
Expert Response
Wow, that is some good damage to the tree. Does the crown/foliage look ok? The pill bugs will be secondary critters that like moist environments and cover, as well as eating debris etc. So they are not the cause of the issue I would guess. but I don't know much about this tree and it's problems. It looks like boring insects and decay in the picture. I don't have a good recommendation for treatment, I would just watch the tree, and if the crown remains healthy hope that the tree can confine the damage. Sorry to say that.