Q: I have an Asian dogwood. This spring little white “sticks” started popping out of the trunk overnight. I wiped them all off, (it looks powdery and comes off easily) but today they were all back. Would you know what this is and whether it is harmful to the tree. If it is, what can I do about it?

A: There is no more accurate description of Asian Ambrosia Beetle damage than “Toothpicks coming out of the trunk of my tree!”

I have very bad news…the dogwood has a big infestation of Asian ambrosia beetle and it is not likely to survive.

see Ambrosia Beetle Control

I hope this is not a sign of more trouble for trees this spring.