Japanese Maple Borer - Ask Extension
I believe my Japanese Maple is infested with borers. I peeled away the loose bark were they’ve been traveling up the trunk and branches. I lost abou...
Knowledgebase
Japanese Maple Borer #840848
Asked July 15, 2023, 6:40 PM EDT
I believe my Japanese Maple is infested with borers. I peeled away the loose bark were they’ve been traveling up the trunk and branches. I lost about 20% of the tree last winter which I’m assuming is from the borers weakening the tree. What is the best way to treat it? Pictures attached.
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Yes, your tree does look stressed. I'm concerned about the slits in the bark. These could leave your tree vulnerable to disease and pests such as borers. I also could not see a flare in the trunk where the trunk meets the soil. Your tree may be planted too deeply which could also stress it. Remove soil/debris from around the trunk until the flare is exposed. Make sure this area does not fill back in. Not enough water can also stress a Japanese Maple. Try and keep soil moisture consistant. Do what you can to relieve stress on your tree.
If you find a borer, either adult or larvae stage, you should get an ID from your extension office. You could purchase a systemic drench to treat the borer at your garden supply store. Ask for help and read the label. Please let us know if you have further questions. Carol B. MGV
https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ent43
https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/common-pest-problems/documents/Borers%20in%20Trees.pdf
Yes, your tree does look stressed. I'm concerned about the slits in the bark. These could leave your tree vulnerable to disease and pests such as borers. I also could not see a flare in the trunk where the trunk meets the soil. Your tree may be planted too deeply which could also stress it. Remove soil/debris from around the trunk until the flare is exposed. Make sure this area does not fill back in. Not enough water can also stress a Japanese Maple. Try and keep soil moisture consistant. Do what you can to relieve stress on your tree.
If you find a borer, either adult or larvae stage, you should get an ID from your extension office. You could purchase a systemic drench to treat the borer at your garden supply store. Ask for help and read the label. Please let us know if you have further questions. Carol B. MGV
https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ent43
https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/common-pest-problems/documents/Borers%20in%20Trees.pdf
Thank you for your help.
Bob Hanley (OSU 1978 Landscape Horticulture Major)
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2023 12:34 PM
To: Bob Hanley <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Japanese Maple Borer (#0110774)
You are very welcome!
Carol B. MGV
Carol B. MGV
