Q.I Have A Coral Tree That Is Losing Bark And The Limbs Are Dying And Hollow.
When we break the fallen branches it cracks with a powdery snap. What is eating this and how do I treat it?
This tree is over 20 years old and a huge tree. I would not like to lose it.
The bark first flakes off leaving light coloured branches. They appear to be eaten by something like a borer beetle, for example. I cannot see any beetles etc on the tree, as for now it is the higher branches. The stem is still fine
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. I am unable to see the damage.
It could have been borer damage, but it sounds a lot like white rot, of which there are many kinds.
Usually, once you are seeing the damage that is described here, the tree is on its way out. Probably quite fast, I might add.
It is likely that the borers have weekend the immune system of the tree, and left it vulnerable to secondary infection.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-borer-insects.htm
