Q.Dying Pittsoporum In Maui
I have a 10 yr old Pittosporum hedge that is suddenly dying off. The branches have healthy green leaves, yet the inside of the branch is hollow. The branches have also changed color to a lights gray/white ( it is not fungus). Several tree specialist and a pesticide company believe it is not from pests. Thye said the pests are coming once the branch is dead, that they are not the cause. No pests in sight. Rarely spotting of tiny, tiny ants, but they are all over Maui. But no one is really telling me what is causing this? They want to come and prune the interior of the hedge and fertilize. Please help.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
This looks much like termite damage. Had this been damage to the heartwood, only, it would not have sustained as much damage. The outer layer being destroyed is causing some die off. Saving the dead portions will not be possible. Cutting those off will be necessary. Treating for any termites that may be remaining can be done with permethrin:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/applying-permethrin-in-garden.htm
