Aspen tree: what disease is this? - Ask Extension
Hello! Two questions: orange ooze weeping out of my aspen tree.
1) what is this disease? 2) how do I treat it? It is killing my beloved tree :-(
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Aspen tree: what disease is this? #713942
Asked August 16, 2020, 12:54 PM EDT
Hello! Two questions: orange ooze weeping out of my aspen tree.
1) what is this disease? 2) how do I treat it? It is killing my beloved tree :-(
Your help is greatly appreciated
Chaffee County Colorado
Expert Response
This is actually not a disease, rather it is evidence of the poplar borer. You may also see some evidence of sawdust on the ground near these. We have more information on this insect available at http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/shade-tree-borers-5-530/
borer larvae. I don't how effective it is, and research has not studied it, but I have heard of some success with spraying alcohol into the holes and halting the damage. It is a difficult insect to control due to its burrowing habit and long life cycle. I think the drought has also benefited this insect this year locally as well.
I hope this is helpful!
Kurt
