How can I minimize damage to a saw-tooth oak from twig girdler beetles? - Ask Extension
It appears that the saw-tooth oak in my yard is infected by twig girdler beetles. It has been dropping twigs and "branches" (groups of leaves) for a ...
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How can I minimize damage to a saw-tooth oak from twig girdler beetles? #408283
Asked June 19, 2017, 4:06 PM EDT
It appears that the saw-tooth oak in my yard is infected by twig girdler beetles. It has been dropping twigs and "branches" (groups of leaves) for a couple weeks. The tree is mature, and towers over my 2-story house. What can I do to minimize damage to the tree and get rid of the twig girdler beetles?
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Usuallly the twig girdler or twig pruner beetle shows up as twig/branchlet dropping in August or September, so this would be pretty early.
Raking them up and disposing of them out of the yard is a way to control their numbers for the following year.
See this link: http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/twig-girdlers-and-twig-pruners-trees
Squirrels also clip and drop branches.
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Raking them up and disposing of them out of the yard is a way to control their numbers for the following year.
See this link: http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/twig-girdlers-and-twig-pruners-trees
Squirrels also clip and drop branches.
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Thank you very much for your feedback about the twig girdler typically not showing up until later in the summer. I originally thought this may be the situation because an independent landscaper I consulted about this suggested that likelihood. However, he is not local to Montgomery county. In addition, I do have a lot of active squirrels on my property. I have been picking up the twigs/branchlets, and will continue doing so. If there is anything else you think I should do, including consulting a contractor, please advise me. Your assistance and advice is appreciate very much.
You are doing the right thing.
We are happy to help whenever you need it.
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We are happy to help whenever you need it.
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