Question
I have two 50 year old sycamore trees, one of which appears to be healthy, the other is stunted with lots of curly and/or dead branches. Both trees were trimmed back this week. The sickly one had a large brown spot in the center of one of the large branches where it was cut off the trunk. Both trees get lots of water and typical fertilizer. The tree trimmer thought it had an insect infestation but wasn't sure. Does the sick one have a disease or an insect problem? How do I treat it? Should I call a tree doctor or can I treat it myself?

Answer
Hi Sue, I believe your tree has borers in it.  They bore through the stems and branches and suck the life out of the tree.  I have used Atomic Grow on trees that have this problem and it cured them.  I would drench it with about 5 gallons of water if it is 50 years old and then spray the trunk as high as you can go.  It will absorb into the tree.  kathy