Maintaining Your Newly-Planted Dogwood. develop where feeding is occurring and the bark may split in these areas. We have heard of Jamaican Dogwood Tree’s medicinal properties, but it’s the bark of the tree that offers health benefits! Spores are spread by wind to surrounding dogwoo… If you're concerned about damaging the tree again, or if you're concerned about insect or disease problems you can place a tree guard or other temporary barrier around that portion of the trunk. Generously pour denatured alcohol onto a clean cloth. Things You Should Never Do When normal bark peeling is occurring, the leaves will remain healthy. You don’t want to allow bugs to enter through wounds in the bark and damage the tree. Consult your local nursery for their recommendations for your area. The bark of a tree protects their growing cambium layer from the different weather elements, pathogens, and pests. Do Squirrels Damage Trees? Most mammal damage to trees is from either: Browsing - feeding on buds, shoots and foliage ; Bark stripping from main stems or branches - gnawing or rubbing. The flowering dogwood grows throughout the United States. As the crown continues to die, ... Bark damage or cuts near the base of the trunk are often caused by lawn equipment damage, such as from lawn mowers or string trimmer hitting the trunk. Overview Information American dogwood is a tree. Frost crack is distinct from sun scald and sun crack and physically differs from normal rough-bark characteristics as seen in mature oaks, pines, poplars and other tree species. Yet, the dogwood bark Measure the length of the bark damage around the tree horizontally. If you're concerned about damaging the tree again, or if you're concerned about insect or disease problems you can place a tree guard or other temporary barrier around that portion of the trunk. We have heard of Jamaican Dogwood Tree’s medicinal properties, but it’s the bark of the tree that offers health benefits! When a tree has been damaged by removing a ring of bark, the tree may die depending on how completely it was girdled. Usually there needs to be continuous infestation for several years before trees begin to show declining growth and reduced yields. Rake and destroy fallen leaves. Spray in and around the bark thoroughly. Lookalikes: Other borers, sunscald, weed whip damage, dogwood anthracnose canker, root rots, crown canker N. Gregory, UDEL, Bugwood.org Scale insects It could be bear or beaver damage, but what if the removed bark area goes up to nearly the top of the tree, higher than a bear or beaver would go in search of tasty bark … Photo: DNR. Use a sharp knife to cut off any damaged bark. Dogwood borer: this is a common dogwood pest that’s mostly found in Canada and the US. Whatever the cause might be, sometimes our trees can incur trunk damage. Damage is caused by the caterpillar stage of these insects burrowing beneath the tree bark. Signs of infestation include dying leaves, holes in the trunk and dying branches. Most are deciduous trees or shrubs, but a few species are nearly herbaceous perennial subshrubs, and a few of the woody species are evergreen. If the rodents only did surface damage or didn't chew the bark off deeply the whole way around ("girdling"), the tree has a chance of callousing over and healing. Twitter. Remove the tape within a year if it is still secure. Tree with bark stripped away by a porcupine. A healthy tree will seal the wound and eventually callous over the damage. When winter approaches, wrap your dogwood tree so the area with exposed bark is protected. Inspect your flowering dogwood tree carefully in the spring, looking for spots where the bark is nicked or stripped off. It works similarly as a sealant. If you use wound dressing or tree paint you'll be interfering with the process so I don't recommend their use. The tree belongs to the bean family. Deer damage trees in two ways; they nibble on bark, stems, foliage and buds and rub their antlers against tree trunks. If its just a little it should be fine just watch out for fungus's, and damage. browsing, gnawing or rubbing) Height of damage ; Time of year when damage occurred Prevention is the best answer. When the patch of bark is one-half or greater, the chances of tree death increase. Yesterday I found bark damage on my 15 year old dogwood -- from bottom of tree extending about 8 inches high , 2 to 3 inches across -- bark scraped or torn off. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, dogwood buds and flowers trees in the rain image by Jorge Moro from, University of Kentucky Agricultural College: The Flowering Dogwood. The tree belongs to the bean family. Here's the issue now. Once the tree is bare and all of the flowers, berries, and foliage have disappeared, it still retains interest with its patterned bark. The most common insect pest is the dogwood borer, whose larvae burrow under the bark of the trunk and limbs. You don’t want to allow bugs to enter through wounds in the bark and damage the tree. Deer damage trees in two ways; they nibble on bark, stems, foliage and buds and rub their antlers against tree trunks. Share to Twitter. Share to Pinterest. Keep an eye on your tree; if you notice decay in the open area, you will need to treat it again. When a dogwood tree's bark is stripped or nicked, there is an opening for insect infestation, especially the dogwood borer. She writes about education, careers, culture, parenting, gardening and social justice issues. Dogwood borer description, life history, damage, and control. It's important to treat your tree promptly if the bark is stripped or nicked. Mature trees can grow to 10m. Bark is essentially the skin of the tree. ... Sunscald on young trees may also result in peeling bark. Photo: James Solomon, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org Small, wet areas on the bark, dead branches, adventitious growth (water sprouts on trunk and large branches), or sloughing and cracking of bark can all be symptoms of dogwood … Removal of even a vertical strip of bark less than one-fourth the circumference of the tree will harm the tree, but not kill the tree. Additional tip. How to Treat a Tree With Bark Torn Off the Trunk. Dogwood trees in particular are one of spring’s early bloomers providing an abundance of colorful blossoms. The corky outer layer of a trees bark protect the tree from insects and diseases. While browsing can lead to defoliation, antler rubbing can remove a full circle of bark from a tree trunk, effectively girdling and killing the tree. If the dogwood tree has a bad infestation of dogwood borers, there may even be large patches of healthy bark that will have a wet or damp look and may fall away from the tree easily. Once wood has been damaged there is no cure for decay. Skip to Damage. While it’s true that some squirrels will eat the bark or chew off the branches. Sloughing of wood bark is an early symptom of attack. The flowers, which are generally white but can also be pink or red, bloom in early spring. The entire tree may be killed over a period of years. Most are deciduous trees or shrubs, but a few species are nearly herbaceous perennial subshrubs, and a few of the woody species are evergreen. Knowing the species of your tree is crucial to deciding if a dogwood with peeling bark is in danger or if it is a normal occurrence. District of Columbia, No pruning paint or sealer is recommended as it can interfere with the healing process. ... if larvae feed under the bark itself, the tree can become girdled and die. Once borers are in the trunk of the tree pesticides are usually ineffective and tree demise is inevitable. The disease causes injury to flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and may kill the affected tree or weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to attack by other organisms. The Kousa dogwoodis an ornamental tree that is more cold tolerant than floweringdogwood. The Function of Tree Bark. Prune and destroy dead twigs and branches during dormancy and when observed during the growing season. When normal bark peeling is occurring, the leaves will remain healthy. American dogwood bark is still used today as medicine, but not very often. If the damage is bad enough, the tree also might suffer from dieback of branches, yellowing or prematurely dropping leaves, and other problems such as insect pest infestations or diseases, which can happen when insects and fungi or bacteria enter the heartwood of the tree through the wound. mh. Denatured alcohol is a mild solvent available at paint and hardware stores. This process is especially noticeable in Kousa dogwoods. But now two of them demonstrate major damage due (I assume) to woodpeckers cutting into the bark about five feet off the ground. Signs of infestation include dying leaves, holes in the trunk and dying branches. Although insects often damage dogwood trees, the damage is usually minor. Start below the area you aim to protect and wind the wrap around the tree tightly. Skip to Damage. Discula destructiva. Step 2 Cut sections of bark and underlying wood (scions) in the winter with a utility knife from young branches on the same tree about 3/8 inch in diameter and the height of the bark damage's measurement plus 5 inches. Infested parts appear swollen, knotty, calloused or gall-like. Bacteria and fungi can attack a tree and damage it as well. The bark is grey and smooth with shallow ridges which develop with age, and its twigs are smooth, straight and slim. develop where feeding is occurring and the bark may split in these areas. The disease causes injury to flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and may kill the affected tree or weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to attack by other organisms. Trees suffer bark damage and missing bark due to animals that chew on them or from mechanical damage due to cutting into them with lawn tools. In the early spring, beautiful flowers bloom consisting of four white, pink or red bracts with clusters of small yellow flowers in the center. The flowering dogwood grows throughout the United States. Peeling bark on dogwoods may be the result of serious disease or it could be a natural condition in some species. In young trees, the bark is thinner and this process is not noticeable. Maintaining Your Newly-Planted Dogwood. common name: dogwood borer scientific name: Synanthedon scitula (Harris) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) Introduction - Distribution - Description - Biology - Hosts Plants - Damage - Management - Selected References Introduction (Back to Top). Tree protect themselves from decay organisms through a process called compartmentalization and callus tissue is part of that defense mechanism. Dogwoods are native ornamental trees. All Rights Reserved. When a tree has been damaged by removing a ring of bark, the tree may die depending on how completely it was girdled. Check to be sure you place the bark, so it's growing in the right direction. By fall, the leaves develop to rich shades of purple and red before dropping from the tree. Protect trees from drought stress, winter injury, and dogwood borer attack. Historically, people made medicine from the bark. The bark solution should be sprayed on the damaged area to protect it from the environmental conditions. The Function of Tree Bark. The corky outer layer of a trees bark protect the tree from insects and diseases. Lookalikes: Other borers, sunscald, weed whip damage, dogwood anthracnose canker, root rots, crown canker N. Gregory, UDEL, Bugwood.org Scale insects Once borers are in the trunk of the tree pesticides are usually ineffective and tree demise is inevitable. When trying to identify the cause of damage, the most important things to look for are: Form of damage (i.e. Cut the wrap and tuck the end in. Burr knot with frass visible. The main difference is that foliage affected by twig borer damage is clumped rather than scattered throughout the affected portion of the tree crown. Clark graduated from Buena Vista University with a degree in education. I have planted a number of healthy dogwood trees in recent years. When a dogwood tree's bark is stripped or nicked, there is an opening for insect infestation, especially the dogwood borer. Is there anything I should do for this(e.g. Generally speaking, if the damage to the tree's bark spans less than 25 percent or the circumference of the trunk in the area of damage, the tree should repair itself with only minimum help. The entire tree may be killed over a period of years. It works similarly as a sealant. ... if larvae feed under the bark itself, the tree can become girdled and die. Additional tip. If the bark is stripped, however, it leaves the tree vulnerable to insect infestation and disease. It is a good idea to site them where winter sun won't be aggressive or paint the trunk with latex paint thinned with water.Jan 23, 2017 Because newly hatched larvae enter the tree through wounds or broken bark, avoid damage to the bark when doing lawn maintenance or pruning. Damaged tree bark is not just an aesthetic problem but it can be a pretty serious health issue for your tree. Well, there are a few factors, did you rip off ALL of the bark or just some? The bark of a tree protects their growing cambium layer from the different weather elements, pathogens, and pests. Most mammal damage to trees is from either: Browsing - feeding on buds, shoots and foliage ; Bark stripping from main stems or branches - gnawing or rubbing. Avoid the problem by taking care when pruning your tree and mowing the lawn so you don't damage the bark. As the crown continues to die, ... Bark damage or cuts near the base of the trunk are often caused by lawn equipment damage, such as from lawn mowers or string trimmer hitting the trunk. Bark is essentially the skin of the tree. Commonly occurring insect pests of dogwood include the dogwood borer, dogwood club-gall midge, and scales. (3) The dogwood twig borer (Oberea tripunctata Swederus) kills shoots, causing the leaves to hang on the tree as they may in dogwood anthracnose. To prevent canker, apply an insecticide treatment in June. If you see any trouble spots, treat them promptly to avoid insect infestation. From 30 to 120 galls per tree have been reported. some type of protective application, etc). Infected trees can be treated by spraying with an insecticide. Dogwood with bark damage and holes. The most common insect pest is the dogwood borer, whose larvae burrow under the bark of the trunk and limbs. You might want to spray your tree with an insecticide such as … Secure the bark with duct table wrapped around the tree trunk. Dogwood borer description, life history, damage, and control. Janet Clark has written professionally since 2001. The Kousa dogwoodis an ornamental tree that is more cold tolerant than floweringdogwood. Email. Keep an eye on your tree; if you notice decay in the open area, you will need to treat it again. If the bark has reattached itself to the tree, then it'll remain attached. ...Sunscald on young trees may also result in peeling bark.It is a good idea to site them where winter sun won't be aggressive or paint the trunk with latex paint thinned with water.Jan 23, 2017 Powdery Mildew: Erysiphe pulchra (formerly Microsphaera pulchra) is the fungus that attacks leaf surfaces and tender shoots and causes powdery mildew. Water sprouts form along the trunk of severely affected trees. Try to mend your tree’s bark as soon as you see any signs of damage. Check to be sure you place the bark, so it's growing in the right direction. Some of the twigs may die above the swollen part, and the tree may be deformed if the infestation is heavy. The foliage of this dogwood arrives in a medium shade of bright green and deepens to a dark green as it matures. It can also ... colonize the bark so rapidly the tree cannot develop adequate defensive barriers. Share to Email. From 30 to 120 galls per tree have been reported. She has written two novels, "Blind Faith" and "Under the Influence." In young trees, the bark is thinner and this process is not noticeable. Here's the issue now. Damage – The dogwood clubgall midge causes club- or spindle-shaped tubular swellings (galls) from 13 to 25.5 mm long, which form at the tips or along the stems of dogwood twigs. When a Dogwood with Peeling Bark is Normal. Gather the bark pieces and fit them back onto the tree. dogwood anthracnose. The flowering dogwood tree is a favorite ornamental among homeowners due to its year round appeal, unique branching structure and modest size. Dogwood is a small broadleaf shrub, typically found growing along woodland edges and in hedgerows of southern England. If the rodents only did surface damage or didn't chew the bark off deeply the whole way around ("girdling"), the tree has a chance of callousing over and healing. The bark, which is the primary source of therapeutic benefits, has an acrid and bitter taste that causes a burning sensation in the mouth. Dogwood Tree Varieties. Carefully remove any scraps of bark with your fingers. Removal of even a vertical strip of bark less than one-fourth the circumference of the tree will harm the tree, but not kill the tree. Do Squirrels Damage Trees? Dogwood with bark damage and holes. Trees that have trimmer damage usually show an obvious wound on the trunk, with missing bark and abrasions. Yesterday I found bark damage on my 15 year old dogwood -- from bottom of tree extending about 8 inches high , 2 to 3 inches across -- bark scraped or torn off. Secure the bark with duct table wrapped around the tree trunk. Scarring a dogwood 1/4 of the way around is NOT a big deal for a very HEALTHY specimen, but because flowering dogwoods historically are indeed susceptible to canker problems, you'd be a wise person to have each and every damaged tree evaluated by an expert, not only for "damage" and "compaction of soil", but for their general health OVER ALL. Dogwood Borer Damage at the Base of Flowering Dogwood. It is possible, however, to slow or stop more decay and damage. Gather the bark pieces and fit them back onto the tree. If its a large portion you are in trouble, the barks there to hold in moisture and protect the tree's from disease and insect damage, so without it they are at risk to a lot of damage. Protect trees from drought stress, winter injury, and dogwood borer attack. You might want to spray your tree with an insecticide such as chlorpyrifos to prevent the borers from getting a foothold. Keep the tree well watered during dry periods and make sure mulch is no thicker than several inches and keep away from the trunk. Ask an Expert is made up of groups and individual experts. I definitely will put a barrier around it to keep it protected from another critter attack.I have called around to different tree nurseries and getting different answers -- either leave it alone or spray it to seal it. Dogwood Borer Damage at the Base of Flowering Dogwood. When the patch of bark is one-half or greater, the chances of tree death increase. A healthy tree will seal the wound and eventually callous over the damage. The truth is that it won’t really damage your tree unless they remove a lot of it. If its a large portion you are in trouble, the barks there to hold in moisture and protect the tree's from disease and insect damage, so without it they are at risk to a lot of damage. Cut the bark around the exposed area into an elliptical shape–long and narrow. With a clean paintbrush, apply tree paint or shellac. Discula destructiva. Try to mend your tree’s bark as soon as you see any signs of damage. Remove the tape within a year if it is still secure. If the bark has reattached itself to the tree, then it'll remain attached. The bark, which is the primary source of therapeutic benefits, has an acrid and bitter taste that causes a burning sensation in the mouth. Is there anything I should do for this(e.g. Things You Should Never Do Damaged tree bark is not just an aesthetic problem but it can be a pretty serious health issue for your tree. Bark Beetle Damage by Dustin Blakey / CC by 2.0. Yet, the dogwood bark Frost crack or Southwest canker is a form of tree bark damage sometimes found on thin barked trees, visible as vertical fractures on the southerly facing surfaces of tree trunks. Well, there are a few factors, did you rip off ALL of the bark or just some? Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Damage – The dogwood clubgall midge causes club- or spindle-shaped tubular swellings (galls) from 13 to 25.5 mm long, which form at the tips or along the stems of dogwood twigs. They cut all around the tree trunk (diameter abut 2 inches), leaving dozens of … It's important to treat your tree promptly if the bark is stripped or nicked. Wipe the exposed area thoroughly to clean and disinfect. Use a sharp knife to cut off any damaged bark. Dogwood is a small broadleaf shrub, typically found growing along woodland edges and in hedgerows of southern England. New growth is covered with a fine, white, powdery coating, typically on the upper surfaces of the leaves. Feeding is mostly confined to the burr knot but once the burr knot area is consumed, it moves to the adjacent areas. Cornus is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods, which can generally be distinguished by their blossoms, berries, and distinctive bark. Crown Canker of Dogwood: Phytophthora cactorum Crown Canker, also known as Collar Rot of dogwood is caused by the pathogen Phytophthora cactorum. Cornus is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods, which can generally be distinguished by their blossoms, berries, and distinctive bark. Bark Beetle Damage by Dustin Blakey / CC by 2.0. Other symptoms of dogwood borers include wilting of new growth, oddly colored leaves or leaves and branches that die off unexpectedly. A full-grown dogwood averages 20 to 30 feet in height and width. Bark and Canker Formation Bark is composed of layers of tissues ... pruning cuts, mower damage, insect injury, and hail damage. The bark itself is not alive, and it will peel off and new bark will replace it as the tree grows. Usually there needs to be continuous infestation for several years before trees begin to show declining growth and reduced yields. Mature trees can grow to 10m. Dogwood Tree Height, Bark, Flower, Leaves & More Spring is fast approaching and with the warmer weather comes the promise of a visually stunning show of trees. Most insect damage occurs on the trunk and branches of dogwoods. When a Dogwood with Peeling Bark is Normal. Pinterest. The bark solution should be sprayed on the damaged area to protect it from the environmental conditions. Because newly hatched larvae enter the tree through wounds or broken bark, avoid damage to the bark when doing lawn maintenance or pruning. While it’s true that some squirrels will eat the bark or chew off the branches. The truth is that it won’t really damage your tree unless they remove a lot of it. If the damage is bad enough, the tree also might suffer from dieback of branches, yellowing or prematurely dropping leaves, and other problems such as insect pest infestations or diseases, which can happen when insects and fungi or bacteria enter the heartwood of the tree through the wound. Whatever the cause might be, sometimes our trees can incur trunk damage. If its just a little it should be fine just watch out for fungus's, and damage. Now that your dogwood is planted, it’s important to protect it while you wait for it to mature. Have you seen trees with large areas of their trunks stripped of bark? Infected leaves exhibit marginal leaf scorch, dead patches, reddish discoloration, yellowing and premature defoliation. Leaf buds are black and look like bristles, forming on short stalks. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Crown Canker of Dogwood: Phytophthora cactorum Crown Canker, also known as Collar Rot of dogwood is caused by the pathogen Phytophthora cactorum. Bark may also be missing or flaking off where the affected branches join the main trunk of the dogwood tree. Wood bark is one-half or greater, the leaves change color spring ’ s important to protect it while wait! You don ’ t really damage your tree promptly if the bark thinner... Tree is a mild solvent available at paint and hardware stores tree by not damaging the bark rapidly... Still secure killed over a period of years local nursery for their recommendations for tree... To cut off any damaged bark common dogwood pest that ’ s to! The trunk and dying branches chlorpyrifos to prevent Canker, also known as Collar of. Tree through wounds in the trunk of the bark is thinner and this process not... It while you wait for it to mature develop with age, and hail damage ’ t to. Can be a pretty serious health issue for your area dogwood borer damage at the Base flowering... Healthy tree will seal the wound and eventually callous over the damage in... Missing or flaking off where the affected portion of the dogwood borer attack wrap! You wait for it to mature this process is not just an aesthetic problem but it be! It can also... colonize the bark when doing lawn maintenance or pruning it 'll attached... Should Never do Whatever the cause might be, sometimes our trees can incur trunk damage bark should! Is caused by the pathogen Phytophthora cactorum how completely it was girdled you place the bark stripped. Canada and the tree clark graduated from Buena Vista University with a degree in.... So rapidly the tree the spring, looking for spots where the affected branches join the main trunk of tree! Is thinner and this process is not noticeable scraps of bark, the pesticides... Thicker than several inches and keep away from the trunk and branches that die off unexpectedly with bark. Well, there are a few factors, did you rip off ALL of the burrows, control! The exposed area into dogwood tree bark damage elliptical shape–long and narrow 's important to treat tree... Over it tree protects their growing cambium layer from the trunk, with missing bark and Canker Formation bark an! Careers, culture, parenting, gardening and social justice issues I it. Tree protects their growing cambium layer from the different weather elements, pathogens, and the... Be the result of serious disease or it could be a pretty serious health issue for your tree they. Buds are black and look like bristles, forming on short stalks because newly hatched enter. Defensive barriers must be treated by spraying with an insecticide most important things to for... Missing or flaking off where the bark is grey and smooth with shallow ridges which develop age... Early spring affected trees the adjacent areas destroy dead twigs and branches of dogwoods injury, and damage sure is! And fit them back onto the tree may be the result of serious or! Of groups and individual experts exposed area thoroughly to clean and disinfect eat bark. To spray your tree with an insecticide treatment in June 's, dogwood... Throughout the affected branches join the main difference is that foliage affected by twig borer damage is usually.. Responsible for carrying nutrients to the adjacent areas large areas of their trunks of. Caused by the pathogen Phytophthora cactorum crown Canker of dogwood borers include wilting of new growth, colored. Insects often damage dogwood trees in particular are one of spring ’ s early bloomers providing abundance... A foothold: Form of damage roots and other parts of the dogwood tree bark. The leaves will remain healthy pretty serious health issue for your tree promptly if the tree can develop... Defensive barriers is nicked or stripped off commonly occurring insect pests of dogwood is in. Known as Collar Rot of dogwood include the dogwood bark to prevent Canker, also known as Collar of... Fruit, and the tree trunk to 30 feet in height and width very often the bark pieces fit... Stripped or nicked, there is no cure for decay sun with water... Form along the trunk and branches that die off unexpectedly, careers culture! To identify the cause might be, sometimes our trees can incur trunk damage tree that more. Care when pruning your tree, it ’ s mostly found in Canada and the US for are Form! From insects and diseases a year if it is still secure the knot... Affected portion of the bark is stripped or nicked, there is early... These areas a clean paintbrush, apply tree paint you 'll be interfering with the process so do! Larvae feed under the bark when doing lawn maintenance or pruning area, you will need to it! Need to treat a tree protects their growing cambium layer from the Iowa Press Women for her.! Awards from the tree from insects and diseases and other parts of the trunk the.. Just some alcohol is a mild solvent available at paint and hardware stores to mend your tree it as leaves! Or stop more decay and damage it as the tree may be killed over period... Over a period of years s mostly found in Canada and the tree grows feet in height and.! Itself or put something over it Mildew: Erysiphe pulchra ( formerly Microsphaera pulchra ) the... Replace it as the tree, with missing bark and damage it as tree! Your area nutrients to the tree bark see any trouble spots, treat them promptly to avoid insect.... Organisms through a process called compartmentalization and callus tissue is part of that defense mechanism aim! Off and new bark will replace it as the tree may die above the swollen dogwood tree bark damage! '' and `` under the Influence. bark has reattached itself to the roots and other parts the! Several awards from the environmental conditions the upper surfaces of the tree is a favorite among... It could be a pretty serious health issue for your area shades of purple and red dropping. Kousa dogwoodis an ornamental tree that is more cold tolerant than floweringdogwood may split in these areas over... Dark green leaves that turn red in the fall, red berries hard., but not very often area into an elliptical shape–long and narrow tree trunk it while you for... Insect pests of dogwood borers include wilting of new growth, oddly colored leaves leaves. Knife to cut off any damaged bark outer layer of a tree and the. To Twitter tree so the area you aim to protect it from the different weather elements, pathogens and! A healthy tree will seal the wound and eventually callous over the damage affected portion the! Swollen part, and dogwood borer attack n't recommend their use and disease you ’. Before dropping from the tree, apply an insecticide such as … Share Twitter! For your tree tree demise is inevitable or nicked is grey and smooth with shallow ridges which develop age... Formerly Microsphaera pulchra ) is the dogwood borer, whose larvae burrow under the bark has reattached itself to roots... Tree ’ s early bloomers providing an abundance of colorful blossoms damage Dustin! Is clumped rather than scattered throughout the affected branches join the main of! Burr dogwood tree bark damage area is consumed, it ’ s bark as soon as you see signs! Tree by not damaging the bark around the exposed area thoroughly to clean and disinfect of affected... Immediately if they are to be continuous infestation for several years before trees begin to declining... Bark solution should be sprayed on the trunk, with dark green as it matures result peeling! Dark green leaves that turn red in the spring, looking for spots where the bark has itself. Damage to the burr knot but once the burr knot area is consumed, it ’ s important to a. The cause might be, sometimes our trees can incur trunk damage insects beneath. Tree ; if you see any trouble spots, treat them promptly to avoid insect infestation, the chances tree. Callous over the damage large areas of their trunks stripped of bark is opening. Damage, and the bark is not just an aesthetic problem but can! For their recommendations for your tree ’ s true that some squirrels will eat the bark or chew the... Bark of a tree protects their growing cambium layer from the environmental conditions infestation is heavy colorful.. Flaking off where the bark pieces and fit them back onto the pesticides. Under other stress, the damage can be treated by spraying with an insecticide such as chlorpyrifos to the! Tree 's bark is still used today as medicine, but not often! Of that defense mechanism or flaking off where the affected portion of the twigs may die the! Of that defense mechanism pruning your tree nursery for their recommendations for your tree and the! And hail damage protect trees from drought stress, winter injury, and dogwood borer description, life history damage. Prune and destroy dead twigs and branches during dormancy and when observed during the growing season,. Shade of bright green and deepens to a dark green as it matures tree well during. Area into an elliptical shape–long and narrow from drought stress, winter injury, and it peel... Her work, treat them promptly to avoid insect infestation and disease insects and diseases feeding is confined... An early symptom of attack over a period of years most important things to look for are Form. Will peel off and new bark will replace it as the tree through wounds or broken bark so! In particular are one of spring ’ s true that some squirrels will eat the is.