what is wrong with my tree?

Question

the bark is falling off my tree and there is a bunch of holes in it..... the tree was hit when they were clearing my lot (2 years ago) , they said it would be fine but now i think its dying and i would like to know how to save it

Answer 1

sounds like an infestation of some sort and not from mechanical dammage. Take a picture of it to your local Cooperative extension office. they can identify the problem and help. (is's free)

Answer 2

It sounds like you may have borers. They may have infested the tree after it was weakened during the lot clearing. Cut off a section of an affected branch and see if there is a small round hole near the center, a tunnel along the inside of branch. This is the borer's track. They are treated with an insecticide called Lindane.

It the tree is small, you can treat them mechanically by cutting small sections of the affected branch, working backwards toward the trunk. When you no longer see the tunnel, the borer is in one of the pieces you have already cut. Put the cut pieces in a plastic trash bag and leave it in the sun for a few days to kill the borers.

If the infestation has gone too far, and it sounds lke it may have, you may be too late.

Answer 3

If the holes are round, or roundish, you've got bugs or worms eating it. You need to consult a local nursery or tree surgeon to identify the insect doing the damage. Then apply the proper insecticide.

Answer 4

Are the leaves drying or brown? Check to see if there are nicks or damage all the way around the trunk on the bark. If so, it is a lost cause. Try to water and provide fertilizer, iron, to help if not.

Answer 5

usually when trees are injured insects take advantage of that and makes it worse, If the bark is falling off its probably dying

Answer 6

It would help to know what kind of tree. Some trees shed their bark.

Answer 7

Without seeing the tree and the damage I have no clue. Check with your local garden center they usually have books on hand for referance.