Dogwood Tree Bark Problems

Identification

• Dogwood trees are susceptible to infestation from flatheaded borers. The metallic adult beetles are blue, green or black colored with flat, oval bodies. Beetle larvae are distinctly shaped with a flat, enlarged area behind the small head. The trees also are prone to canker disease caused by numerous fungi.

Damage

• Flatheaded borers are more likely to infest weak and injured trees. The insects damage all above ground tree areas. Pest larvae feed under the trunk and create extensive tunnels. Wet areas appear on infested bark, and damaged bark later starts to crack. Canker disease creates dead tissue areas on bark, and foliage on infected tree starts to die.

Control

• Keep trees in good health. Prune and remove dying branches and dispose away from healthy trees to minimize spread of borers. Avoid pruning trees in spring and summer as adult beetles are most active at this time. To prevent canker diseases, select disease-resistant tree varieties and avoid excessive fertilizer application, as this makes trees more prone to infection.