Trouble With My Desert Willow

Question

Hi, I noticed that there is something wrong with my beautiful Desert Willow. I don’t know if they get Bark Beetles, but the limbs are dying and the bark is separating from the limbs. The tree is about 20+ years old, so could it be at the end of its life cycle? Or is there something else wrong? I was told that there is no insecticide treatment for Bark Beetles, that I should get the tree as healthy and strong as possible with fertilizer and extra water in order to help it fight off the beetles. I lost a False Mulberry to Bark Beetles and saved the other 3 by watering more and giving them fertilizer. They look good now. I don’t want to chop down this tree if I don’t have to, I love it and so do “my” hummers every Summer. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

They aren't usually bothered by pests and disease and they typically live past 40 years. They are susceptible to root rot if irrigation has increased. This can cause dieback of the branches as roots are damaged. Prune out the dead wood and make sure it isn't getting excess water.