Question From: Kalispell, Montana, United States
Q: We have service berry trees/shrubs with uniform holes around the trunk and then softer, whitish places further up the trunk/stem. It looks like insect damage and they maybe emerged from underneath the bark. It looks a bit like woodpecker damage, but is occurring even on small diameter trunks. Any insight would be welcome. Thanks, Melaina
Sounds like borers. Once they become established they are hard to control. Use of a Systemic such as Bonide Tree and Shrub Insect Control may work. I'd get advice from a certified arborist. To locate one in your area go to tcia.org. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy