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Ligustrum Trunk Decay: Heart Rot, Not Insects

Old Ligustrum: main trunk and branches being eaten to sawdust. No bugs, tunnels, frass, fungus. Bug man ruled out termites. Foliage green, new growth, flowered. One trunk half gone.

Diagnosis: Heart Rot Decay

Living tissue is under bark. Dead heartwood decays when fungi enter through bark wounds. Tree can live decades with hollow trunk.

Management

Fertilize with 10-10-10 at 1 lb/inch trunk diameter to boost health and slow decay.
Apply now and again in fall.
Only a hazard if large limbs decay near structures.

Enjoy the shade; it's not an emergency.

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