Poplar and willow borer

You will see sawdust-like frass extruding from bark in late summer as larvae feed beneath the surface. Lumpy, swollen bark with cracks and exposed wood indicates active borer feeding. Larvae tunnel beneath bark of trunks and branches, potentially girdling and killing branches. Adult weevils are black with pink to cream markings about three-eighths inch long.

Remove heavily infested branches below the damaged area. Maintain tree vigor through proper irrigation and care; stressed trees attract more borers. Prune low branches to reduce egg-laying habitat. Apply preventive bark coatings in midsummer targeting newly laid eggs. Avoid wounding trees with equipment. Natural parasites attack larvae. Most willow and poplar trees tolerate light infestations.