Birch Borer - Ask Extension
I have been told that we have a non-native birch tree (European? It has the white bark. I call it a "paper birch.") and that these trees ar...
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Birch Borer #868911
Asked May 17, 2024, 2:31 PM EDT
I have been told that we have a non-native birch tree (European? It has the white bark. I call it a "paper birch.") and that these trees are susceptible to birch borer more than the native birches. There is no borer activity at present. An arborist has advised that we need to have our birch sprayed as a preventative measure. It is not a large tree at present and I want to know if 1) is this advisable, and 2) is there a product that a homeowner can use to accomplish this? Thanks.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Steven,
Yes, the tree is susceptible to the bronze birch borer.
An insecticide can be used to prevent infestation. Is the tree located near a lake?
Below are two articles on bronze birch borer, and both list the option to use a soil drench to thwart borer activity in a tree.
https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-50/E-50.html
https://extension.umn.edu/tree-and-shrub-insects/metallic-wood-boring-beetles#using-pesticides-1455112
Spraying can also be done, but timing is more critical. The drench is much easier as it provides year round coverage.
If the tree is near a lake, please consult the label for the pesticide you choose to be sure the tree is far enough away from the water to be safe. You can reach back out to me. Always read and follow label directions.
Bronze birch borer attacks trees that are stressed. So best to ensure the tree is growing without impediments to the roots (sidewalks, paths, driveways) and that it remains watered when no rain occurs for 5 days or so. To water the tree, you can place a hose next to the trunk and let it run on a trickle for 30-45 minutes.
In the first year, it's best to avoid nitrogen in fertilizer as nitrogen stimulates leaf and shoot growth. Fertilizers usually have three numbers on the bag and these represent the ration of Nitrogen (N) - phosphorous (P) - and potassium (K) in the mix. Phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) - the last two numbers on a fertilizer are best to use in the first year. When N is used, the rapid growth is less structurally secure, and could lead to issues in the future.
I hope this helps. Feel free to reach out with questions.
Thank you!
-Julie
Yes, the tree is susceptible to the bronze birch borer.
An insecticide can be used to prevent infestation. Is the tree located near a lake?
Below are two articles on bronze birch borer, and both list the option to use a soil drench to thwart borer activity in a tree.
https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-50/E-50.html
https://extension.umn.edu/tree-and-shrub-insects/metallic-wood-boring-beetles#using-pesticides-1455112
Spraying can also be done, but timing is more critical. The drench is much easier as it provides year round coverage.
If the tree is near a lake, please consult the label for the pesticide you choose to be sure the tree is far enough away from the water to be safe. You can reach back out to me. Always read and follow label directions.
Bronze birch borer attacks trees that are stressed. So best to ensure the tree is growing without impediments to the roots (sidewalks, paths, driveways) and that it remains watered when no rain occurs for 5 days or so. To water the tree, you can place a hose next to the trunk and let it run on a trickle for 30-45 minutes.
In the first year, it's best to avoid nitrogen in fertilizer as nitrogen stimulates leaf and shoot growth. Fertilizers usually have three numbers on the bag and these represent the ration of Nitrogen (N) - phosphorous (P) - and potassium (K) in the mix. Phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) - the last two numbers on a fertilizer are best to use in the first year. When N is used, the rapid growth is less structurally secure, and could lead to issues in the future.
I hope this helps. Feel free to reach out with questions.
Thank you!
-Julie
