Question
Loblolly tree disease
Tree is 3.5 ft. in diameter. Bark is falling off around the base (approx. 25 percent of the base) One diagnosis was fusiform rust, but I don't think that is correct. I don't see any of the cankers or swelling or the "brooming effect". If you can't tell me the name, could you possibly suggest some treatment that wouldn't hurt the tree. Thanks
AnswerFrom the picture it look as if there are holes in the wood which would mean some type of borer insect has infested the area. More than likely the tree had a wound and the insects and decay fungi were able to enter the trunk. There is not a treatment for fungi that enter the trunk but you can treat the borer damage and keep the insects from expending the area. I would spray the lower part of the trunk with either an insecticide called Onyx or Merit. Both of these will kill the borers in the wood and prevent further attack. I would treat it now and the spray should prevent attack for about 3-4 months. Watch the area in about 3 months and IF you see any sawdust and new holes spray again.
The tree will heal over the wound with time and can survive with little problems. Usually when a tree is attacked by borers the tree is under stress so I would recommend that you fertilize the tree with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good. Apply just before a good rain storm and you will not have to water it in.
