tree health - Ask Extension
Hi, I was wondering if you could advice about this tree in our front yard. I am including pictures of the tree, the bark, and a beetle. A big section ...
Knowledgebase
tree health #869130
Asked May 19, 2024, 4:36 PM EDT
Hi, I was wondering if you could advice about this tree in our front yard. I am including pictures of the tree, the bark, and a beetle. A big section of bark peeled off in my hand while removing ivy, and I saw beetles crawling in holes in the tree. Should we have this tree removed or can it recover?
Thanks.
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
We are sad to say that your tree is in an advanced state of decline and is dying.
The lack of a healthy leaf canopy is a major sign of struggle, as is the peeling bark, sawdust near the base, and the presence of the beetle (Bessbug/Patent Leather Beetle).
The beetles are not to blame; they just feed on decaying wood, which indicates that advanced wood decay is likely already happening within the main trunk.
Advanced wood decay makes trees more likely to fall in wind or storms, so if that fall would threaten people or property, you should have them removed.
If you are interested and have the space you could consider leaving a portion of the trunk ("snag")- maybe 10 -15 feet or so, which has value for wildlife.
Here is our page that helps people decide when to remove a tree:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/how-do-you-decide-when-remove-tree/
Christine
The lack of a healthy leaf canopy is a major sign of struggle, as is the peeling bark, sawdust near the base, and the presence of the beetle (Bessbug/Patent Leather Beetle).
The beetles are not to blame; they just feed on decaying wood, which indicates that advanced wood decay is likely already happening within the main trunk.
Advanced wood decay makes trees more likely to fall in wind or storms, so if that fall would threaten people or property, you should have them removed.
If you are interested and have the space you could consider leaving a portion of the trunk ("snag")- maybe 10 -15 feet or so, which has value for wildlife.
Here is our page that helps people decide when to remove a tree:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/how-do-you-decide-when-remove-tree/
Christine
Hi,
Thank you for your response. We appreciate the guidance.
You're welcome. I wish the news had been better.
