Question
We have a young Bonita Ash that has not begun to bud yet, even though everything else around has started.  I was looking at it and saw some long splits on the trunk in various places.  At first I thought maybe a neighborhood cat was using it for a scratching post, but also saw some spots that looked a little different.  I did read that a young Ash can have "borers".  Any ideas and help would be greatly appreciated.  We are located in far west Texas in the desert. Thank you!

Answer
Ash pecan and hickory tree are usually later leafing out then the other hardwood tree. To determine if a tree is still alive start near the end of a branch and scrape a small bit of bark off the twig and if the color under the bark is green and the twig is flexible not fidget and easily broken the branch is still alive. I would think the tree is just later leafing out.
Borers can cause problems with ash trees. I would treat the tree with an insecticide called Bayer Advanced Tree and shrub Insect control. This is applied to the soil around the tree and the roots will carry the insecticide to the branches and trunk and leaves and when an insect like the borer tries to drill into the bark the insect is killed. The treatment will last all season long. It will also protect the tree from aphids and scale insect or caterpillar that might feed on the leaves. Check with your local garden type store for this product. Here is a web link to more information on the Bayer product.
http://www.bayeradvanced.com/tree-shrub-care/products/12-month-tree-shrub-insect...