Question
QUESTION: I have several globe willows 3-5 years old. one started to lose its bark 2-3 years ago and now the other two are just starting. the bark peels away to hard wood underneath. this year I notice fine wood particles at the base of the tree and open wounds with small ants and larger1/2 inch or so long slim bugs. I sprayed insectcide on the bark and woounds but am afraid that won't be enough. This tree has not grown like the other two and all the leaves near the main trunk are gone. leaves are on the outer edges only. Any ideas?

ANSWER: Sounds like borer damage. These insects bore into the trunk and over time will cause the tree to lose foliage. Regular insecticides will not penetrate the wood so I would recommend that the area of the trunk be sprayed with an insecticide called Merit. This will kill the insect in the trunk. Borers attack trees that are under stress Usually with willows this means they are not getting enough water. I would water with 1 inch of water per week-place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I will apply the insecticide Merit. You didn't address the loss of bark issue. Does it go with the borer damage like the loss of foliage?

Answer
The borers are causing the bark peeling and this should stop when they are controlled. As a willow gets older the bark will change and become rougher and to some extent peel. But this should be fairly uniform around the bottom part of the trunk not in areas or patches.