Saving Mature Catalpa from Borers, Drought, and Age

Large catalpa shows half canopy dead with knots/cracks on declining limbs. Bayer disease control failed. Owner seeks rescue plan.

Three-Factor Diagnosis

• Borers: Knots/cracks = borer holes. Pruning spray ineffective. Treat with Spinosad or Fertilome Borer/Bagworm/Tent Caterpillar spray.
• Historic drought: 2011 Texas drought caused latent damage even in drought-tolerant species.
• Age: Catalpas live 60-70 years. Large specimen may be nearing natural end.

Integrated Plan

• Spray for borers (Spinosad preferred).
• Prune dead limbs; seal cuts with pruning paint.
• Tree will regenerate around pruned areas.
• Plant young replacement now for succession.

Borers are the treatable component. Several more good years likely with intervention.