LOOK OUT FOR THE BRONZE BIRCH BORER
Bronze Birch Borer is a wood-boring insect that feeds on several species but can be devastating to white-barked Birch trees. The irony of Bronze Birch Borer is that it is a native pest that causes more damage to imported Birch species. Usually, we treat insects that were accidentally imported into the US that feed on our native trees. The Gray Birch is less susceptible than the paper birch but because they are both native trees, they are more resilient. The European and Himalayan White Birches are more vulnerable and can be destroyed by this insect.
This White Birch was killed by a bronze birch borer.
THE BRONZE BIRCH BORER DEVASTATES TREES
The reason this pest is so devastating is because it feeds between the bark and the wood. This very small section of the stem is the tree’s vascular system. This is where water and soil nutrients move from the roots to the leaves, then the food is distributed from the leaves throughout the tree. With this crucial compromise, the tree is weakened. When there is a serious infestation you eventually see the canopy die back from the top. Once you see this degree of injury it is difficult to save the tree. After the tree is infested, they may only have 1-2 seasons left.
The classic bronze staining is indicative of Bronze Birch Borer damage.
PROTECT AGAINST THE BRONZE BIRCH BORER
WATER AND FERTILIZER
The best way to keep your Birch trees healthy is to keep them well-watered and fertilized. Proper mulching can also help to improve soil moisture and by extension keep your trees hydrated. Drought stress is one of the leading causes of these insects being attracted to weakened trees. Monitor your White Birches for small holes and the bronze-colored discharge (the trees’ defense mechanism) which should be obvious against the white bark. If you see this type of damage, call your Mayer Tree Service immediately.
WHITE BIRCH TREES ARE VULNERABLE TO THE BRONZE BIRCH BORER
White Birches are beautiful and that’s why it is important to keep them healthy. If you have White Birch trees, especially non-natives like Himalayan or European varieties, these plants are so vulnerable you may want to treat them proactively with a systemic pesticide.
SOME BIRCH VARIETIES ARE NOT AS VULNERABLE TO THE BRONZE BIRCH BORER
If you are considering planting a Birch tree, there are a few native varieties that are not susceptible to Bronze Birch Borer; Yellow Birch, River Birch, and Black Birch. However, even though these trees have interesting bark it is not the classic white. The native paper Birch is the best of the White Birch trees. It is susceptible to Bronze Birch Borer, but it is a lot more tough than the non-natives. If you want a White Birch plant a paper birch. It is a wonderful and underused landscape tree.
A healthy stand of Paper Birch.
IDENTIFY THE BRONZE BIRCH BORER
An adult Bronze Birch Borer and the holes they create when feeding under the bark.
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