Desert trees are prone to falling victim for invaders that can cause damage to leaves, branches, trunks, and roots. Your landscaping company will inspect your trees regularly for signs of damage, but if you notice any signs of insect infestations on your trees, report them to your landscaper right away so that they can be eradicated. For desert trees, three kinds of tree borers are the most common pests. Here is a closer look at the types of borers that are likely to be in desert trees.

Flathead Borers

Flathead borers like parts of trees that have sunburned or are otherwise damaged. They prefer to be along the trunks and branches. Adults are olive-gray in color while larvae are cream-toned. These borers eat dead wood and create small tunnels underneath the bark, so they often aren’t noticed for a long period of time. Being under the bark also helps to protect them sprays used to get rid of borers. Fortunately, they typically avoid the healthy wood on trees, but they can cause sunken damage in the area of the tree on which they are feeding.

Roundhead Borers

Similarly to flathead borers, roundhead borers feast on dead and damaged wood. The larvae, which are white in color, eat wood under the bark, but as they grow, they chew their way out from the inside, leaving exit holes in the tree. These holes are often the first sign of borers on the tree.

Palo Verde Borers

Palo Verde borers are the most likely to cause serious damage to trees. They are root borers, so they typically stay underground, making them difficult to identify. If they are left to feed on a tree undisturbed, they can kill it within about seven to 10 years.

 

Complete Landscaping is licensed and bonded for landscaping, irrigation contracting, and arbor care and can help you keep the trees at your Tucson home in top condition. To learn more about our arborist and landscaping services, dial (520) 323-8918.