For Immediate Release: May 2, 2005
Media Contact: Jayson DeGeeter, 847.729.1963

A BIRCH LOVER’S GREATEST NEMESIS

GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS — No insect is as damaging to birch trees as the bronze birch borer, Agrilus anxius. In May, adult borers emerge from birch trees to lay their eggs. When the insects emerge, they are quite vulnerable, making mid-spring one of the best seasons to control this insect. The arborists at Autumn Tree Care Experts encourage homeowners to take advantage of this window of opportunity to preserve existing birch trees and prevent the spread of bronze birch borer.

Signs and Symptoms
Bronze birch borer larvae feed on a birch tree's cambium layer (just beneath the bark). As the larvae feed, they tunnel laterally in a zigzag pattern, girdling branches and causing them to suddenly wilt and die. As progressive generations of borers feed on the tree, they eventually make their way to the trunk. Once the main trunk has been girdled, the entire tree dies. Adult borers emerge via D-shaped exit holes in the tree's trunk in May. The slender, 3/8" to 1/2" long dark olive-bronze insects are rarely observed due to their secretive behavior and rapid flight ability.

Prevention
A birch lover's best bet is to prevent a bronze birch borer infestation entirely. The first step toward this goal is to minimize the tree's stress (adult borers are attracted to a stressed tree). Birch trees prefer a moist, shaded environment. Therefore, be certain to water birch trees well — especially during times of drought — and maintain a layer of mulch beneath the tree.
In addition, proactive treatments are available to kill adult borers and emerging larvae. To prevent a bronze birch borer infestation, annual fall systemic applications are preferred. During this year's growing season, however, a homeowner can only prevent infestation through spray applications administered in May and early June.

About Autumn Tree Care Experts
Autumn Tree Care Experts is a full-service, ISA certified arboricultural firm that has been dedicated to tree preservation since 1979. The company's services include tree pruning and fertilization, disease diagnosis and treatment, pest management, cabling/bracing, and pre/post construction consultations. Autumn Tree Care Experts serves as the exclusive Tree Health Care Sponsor of the Chicago Botanic Garden and is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture, the Tree Care Industry Association, the American Society of Consulting Arborists, and the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association.

For additional information about preventing a bronze birch borer infestation, contact Autumn Tree Care Experts at 847.729.1963.