Problem Info

The main shoot at the top of a healthy tree stops growing and turns yellow in midsummer. The shoot tip usually droops, producing a ''shepherd''s crook.'' Several new shoots may develop from below the dying shoot so that the top of the tree is forked. In fall and winter the drooping shoot appears brown and dry. A white resin is on the bark, and small holes are in the dead shoot. Trees are disfigured but not killed.

Solution Advice

Prune out and destroy infested twigs in early summer before the beetles emerge. Train a side branch to replace the dead leader by pruning all but one of the new shoots to half the length of the newly selected leader. Apply an insecticide labeled for this pest, following label directions.

Product Recommendations

• Ortho® Bug-B-Gon MAX® Lawn & Garden Insect Killer Concentrate