Mimosa Wilt Killing Tree: Insects Are Secondary

12-year-old mimosa has yellowing leaves, sap from bark holes, mites under bark. Owner asks if bugs killing tree and spreading to bottlebrush/sumac.

Primary Killer: Mimosa Wilt (Fusarium)

Vascular fungus blocks water transport. Symptoms: yellowing, wilting, branch death, sap ooze.

Insects Are Scavengers

Mites/bugs feed on fungi under dead bark. They don't cause wilt and won't spread to unrelated species (bottlebrush, sumac). Host-specific.

Management

• Fertilize: 10-10-10 at 1 lb/inch trunk diameter (may alleviate symptoms).
• Water frequently.
• Remove/burn dead branches.
• No effective fungicide for established trees.
• Best long-term: replace with resistant species.

Tree will likely die. Focus on replacement planning.