Knowledgebase

Aspen trees diseased #643189

Asked May 29, 2020, 6:41 PM EDT

Hi, our neighborhood has had to cut down several Aspen trees this year. They are all diseased or eaten by something boring holes in the trunk and weakening the base of the tree. I had one fall over yesterday that looked healthy, but was rotten at the base. There are a few more in my yard and I’m wondering if I can treat them with something or if they all need to be cut down? Thanks!

Deschutes County Oregon

Expert Response

HI, Unfortunatley this can be a common occurrence on aspen that have been planted too deeply and as a result end up getting a pest called American Hornet Moth. This insect burrows and excavates the cambium making the tree vulnterable to strong winds. Here is some additional informaton:  https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1284-2014.pdf
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7477.html

See photos to compare to the damage you are seeing:

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