Question
Hi,
I have discovered a patch of sawdust like growth on the trunk of my 5 year old maple. Upon brushing it away, I saw that the bark beneath this irregular shaped patch (about 4 inches in circumferenc ) had been 'eaten into '. I don't think it got right through to the core of the trunk, but it certainly did some damage. What could it be, and how do I traet it ?
Thanks.

Answer
Sounds like a borer could have been in there.Or it could have been a damaged area and a fungus grew in the area. Clean it and keep an eye on it. If you can see a hole in the area you can stick a wir in it and maybe kill the borer. Hope this helps,Bill