Japanese Maple Bark Loss at Base: Borer Treatment and Vigor Boost

30-yr Japanese maple losing bark near roots (¼ gone over winter). Owner asks cause.

Likely Borer

Bark loss at soil line = classic borer damage. Spray trunk with Merit (imidacloprid) from nursery/garden store.

Borers target stressed trees. Fertilize 10-10-10 at 1 lb/inch trunk diameter, scattered, watered in.

Plant Diseases: Orange Tree Bark Loss and Fruit Drop: Water Stress, Scale, and Atomic Grow; Coral Bark Japanese Maple Borer Infestation: Treatment Options; Saving a Large Japanese Maple with Bark Loss and Dead Branches; Coral Bark Japanese Maple Trunk Discoloration: Cold Injury; Can You Split a Multi-Trunk Coral Bark Japanese Maple?; Maple Borer Infestation in Old Wound: Treatment and Risk; Japanese Maple Split Trunk: Bolt & Graft Repair; Coral Bark Maple Losing Bark: Sunscald, Borers, or Natural Exfoliation?; Dog Rope Girdled Young Maple: Assess Cambium, Prevent Borers; Young Maple Bark Peeling: Frost Crack Management

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