White Pine Weevil - Leader Branch Cut - Ask Extension
Hi, I had to cut the leader off of a Pine Tree in my yard to knock out White Pine Weevil. I was looking for help in confirming that I cut off e...
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White Pine Weevil - Leader Branch Cut #878928
Asked July 26, 2024, 3:13 PM EDT
Hi, I had to cut the leader off of a Pine Tree in my yard to knock out White Pine Weevil. I was looking for help in confirming that I cut off enough of the Leader? Want to determine if I need to cut more. Can you tell by looking at the pics of the leader (the inner branch surface? Please see attached pics.
The tree is a Norway Spruce, and it stand about 25 ft tall. I have more pics if needed.
Thanks!
Mike
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Michael,
It looks like you did cut off enough of the leader to eliminate the white pine weevil. Best practice at this point is to keep a close eye on the top of what is left behind to be sure no more exit holes appear.
As time passes, one or more of the side branches will begin to take over as the leader. You can trim back competitors to choose the best new leader - it will be apparent when it's time to take that step.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you,
-Julie
It looks like you did cut off enough of the leader to eliminate the white pine weevil. Best practice at this point is to keep a close eye on the top of what is left behind to be sure no more exit holes appear.
As time passes, one or more of the side branches will begin to take over as the leader. You can trim back competitors to choose the best new leader - it will be apparent when it's time to take that step.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you,
-Julie
Hi Julie,
Thanks a lot for the follow up, good information. I will keep an eye on it. Tough to get up there at 25 ft to watch for exit holes, but good to know and will monitor it best I can.
I will also plan to spray as well...do you think I should do that this Fall, or wait and try to time it correctly in the Spring next year?
Thanks again!
Mike
Hello, again!
Yes, monitoring at 25 feet could be tough. It certainly looks like you cut it off low enough to prevent issue next year.
The article at the link below mentions use of a systemic insecticide in early spring for full coverage against the weevil.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/control_white_pine_weevil_in_early_spring
That might be easier than trying to spray the weevils as they emerge in the spring. And imidacloprid, the recommended pesticide, provides coverage that lasts a couple of years.
Thank you,
-Julie
Yes, monitoring at 25 feet could be tough. It certainly looks like you cut it off low enough to prevent issue next year.
The article at the link below mentions use of a systemic insecticide in early spring for full coverage against the weevil.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/control_white_pine_weevil_in_early_spring
That might be easier than trying to spray the weevils as they emerge in the spring. And imidacloprid, the recommended pesticide, provides coverage that lasts a couple of years.
Thank you,
-Julie
Awesome, that's great to know...thanks very much for the guidance! Appreciate all the help.
I will reach out if needed, but sounds like I have a plan :)
Thanks Julie!
Mike
