Two-Lined Chestnut Borer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
At Treewerx, we understand the devastation the Two-Lined Chestnut Borer can cause to your oak trees and landscape. Based in Cambridge, WI, our certified arborists offer expert services, including thorough assessments to identify signs of infestation, preventative care plans to maintain tree health and resilience, insecticide treatments to protect and manage at-risk trees, and the safe removal of severely infested trees to prevent further spread.
What Is the Two-Lined Chestnut Borer?
The Two-Lined Chestnut Borer (Agrilus bilineatus) is a wood-boring beetle that primarily targets stressed oak trees and other hardwood species like chestnuts. These borers commonly cause oak decline and mortality, particularly in trees already weakened by drought, root damage, or other stress factors.
How Does the Two-Lined Chestnut Borer Infest Trees?
Adult borers lay their eggs on the bark of stressed trees. Once the larvae hatch, they burrow under the bark, creating serpentine galleries that disrupt the tree’s vascular system. This interruption affects the flow of water and nutrients, weakening the tree and often leading to its death within a few years if untreated.
What Are the Symptoms of a Two-Lined Chestnut Borer Infestation?
Signs of infestation may not be immediately apparent, but common symptoms include:
Crown Dieback: Leaves in the tree's upper branches turn brown and wilt.
Epicormic Sprouting: New shoots or sprouts appear along the trunk or lower branches as the tree tries to recover.
D-shaped Exit Holes: Adult borers leave distinctive D-shaped holes in the bark when they emerge.
Winding Galleries: Peeling back the bark reveals serpentine tunnels created by the larvae.
Tree Mortality: If untreated, the infestation can kill the tree over several growing seasons.
Is the Two-Lined Chestnut Borer Deadly?
Yes, a severe infestation can kill a tree, especially if other stressors have already weakened the tree. The borer’s activity reduces the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, leading to rapid decline and eventual death.
Contact Treewerx for Two-Lined Chestnut Borer Management
If your oak trees are showing signs of decline or infestation, don’t wait to seek professional help. Contact Treewerx today to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll protect your trees and preserve the beauty of your landscape.