Protecting Your Oaks and Pines: Basal Bark Sprays Against Borers
Oaks and Monterey pines stand tall and proud in our landscapes, providing shade, beauty, and habitat for countless creatures. However, these majestic trees are not immune to the threats posed by borers, tiny insects that can cause significant damage if left unchecked. In this blog post, we’ll explore a simple and effective method for preventing borers in oak and Monterey pine trees: basal bark sprays.
Understanding Borers and Their Impact
Borers are insects that lay their eggs on the bark of trees. When the eggs hatch the larvae burrow into the tree and feed on the inner tissue. This will cause damage that can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to disease and other pests. Oaks are vulnerable to borers like the oak borer or Sycamore borer. While Monterey pines are targeted by pests such as the pine bark beetle. These borers can cause wilting, dieback, and even death if not treated.
(Top: Oak Tree, Bottom: Pine Tree) You can see the entrance points and discharge from the borers.
Why Basal Bark Sprays?
Basal bark sprays offer a targeted and efficient way to protect trees from borers. Basal bark sprays are applied directly to the lower portion of the tree trunk, where borers are most likely to lay their eggs. Then the insecticide is absorbed through the bark which will help protect the tree long-term.
Key Benefits of Basal Bark Sprays:
- Targeted Protection: Basal bark sprays deliver insecticides directly to the area where borers are most active, ensuring effective control.
- Systemic Action: Once absorbed by the tree, the insecticide is transported throughout the vascular system, providing long-lasting protection against borers.
- Minimal Environmental Impact: By targeting the treatment to the tree trunk, basal bark sprays minimize pesticide drift and runoff, reducing the risk to non-target organisms and the surrounding environment.
- Ease of Application: Basal bark sprays can be applied quickly and easily using a handheld sprayer, making them a convenient option for homeowners and arborists alike.
When Do We Perform Basal Bark Sprays?
We recommend performing basal bark sprays in early March. This is because it is before the borers lay their eggs so the tree will be protected throughout their breeding season.