Pecan Tree Limb Drop: Drought, Weevils, and Borers

Mature pecan (60 ft, 60 mi east of Houston) dropping major limbs. Small bug with "fangs" found under bark. Severe drought.

Primary Factors

Historic drought – main cause of excessive limb shed. Pecans naturally drop some limbs, but drought amplifies it.
Insect ID: "Bug with fangs" likely pecan weevil (long snout) or borer. Weevils bore nuts, not limbs. Borers leave round holes in limbs.

Inspect fallen limbs for borer holes.
Spray carbaryl (Sevin) every 10-14 days if borers/weevils confirmed. Hire professional for large trees.
Hope for wetter fall/winter to reduce stress.

Drought is the overriding issue; insect control is secondary.

Plant Diseases: Green Growth on Old Pecan Trees: Resurrection Fern or Lichens; Pecan Nuts Moldy or Shriveled: Water Stress, Not Disease; Pecan Tree No Nuts: Water, Zinc, Fertilizer, Pruning Guide; Pecan Tree Nut Problems: Weevils, Scab, and Spray Schedule; Topped Tree Recovery: Managing Epicormic Sprouts; Spruce/Hemlock Near a Townhouse: Root and Limb Concerns; Twig Girdlers in Pecan: Identification and Control; Pecan Trees Not Bearing: Fertilize, Water, Soil Test; Managing Zinc Deficiency in a Mature Pecan Tree; Tree Pruning: Essential for Safety, Health, and Storm Resilience

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