All birch species can become infested. When the larvae hatch from the eggs, they will come in contact with the pesticide as they burrow through the bark. Contact professional tree care companies for treatment of larger trees. Add organic mulch to oaks and birch to improve their health. Birch is best adapted to cooler, even moisture conditions that a forest ecology provides. They prefer to feed and reproduce in stressed, dying trees. The bronze birch borer mainly affects birch trees. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Root damage caused by soil compaction or root severing due to heavy equipment will stress trees. The males are about 3/8-inch long, while the female is 1/2-inch long. While birch can grow just fine in hotter drier locations, these conditions invariably weaken its ability to fight off the bronze birch borer, a native and ubiqutous insect that is almost always fatal to susceptible, affected trees. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. The population at the detection site was extensive, quite established and has killed trees in the Beaverton/Tigard area. They are highly attractive because of their different coloring and bark texture, as well as the characteristics of the foliage. The adult is a copper/bronze colored slender beetle. Avoid planting highly susceptible white barked birch species such as: Twolined chestnut borer attacks native and introduced oaks. Very high wildlife value. Unfortunately, they become very stressed in urban environments due to being easily stressed and susceptible to the bronze birch borer. Please visit our sponsors Bronze Birch Borer. Contact a professional when you are dealing with larger trees. The first application should be applied as black locust trees bloom and the second two to three weeks later. Adult beetles feeding on the leaves of trees do not affect tree health. This process restricts flow of essential water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the tree. Avoid fertilizing stressed trees. The legless borer has two brown, pincer-like structures found at the tip of the abdomen. It will succumb to bronze birch borer, so keep it well-watered, plant in a garden bed to avoid compacted soil, and mulch the root zone. Unlike the paper birch, the river birch, is considered resistant to bronze birch borer – in other words, the insect is not as attracted to it to lay its eggs on. Regents of the University of Minnesota. This native flatheaded borer will attack yellow, gray, and other species of … Arborjet | Ecologel Early Order Program Available though participating distributors Oct 1, 2020 - Feb 28, 2021 Treat Now For trees & shrubs MANY BENEFITS BEYOND A PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR ENHANCE YOUR FERTILITY WITH ARBOR RX Prescriptive Fertilization & Soil Enhancement Program. 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