Locust Tree Dieback After Heat Wave: Earwigs, Root Check, and Recovery

A 1.5–2-year-old locust tree in a heat wave turned yellow, then brown and crispy. Neighbors' same-age trees recovered. Earwigs abound in the mulch. Is the tree dead?

Step 1: Scratch Test

Scrape bark on a twig (start at tips). Green = alive; brown = dead at that point. Work downward until you find green. Prune back to living wood.

Interpretation

• Green found: Tree is alive, heat-stressed. It may not releaf until spring. Reduce watering to 1 inch/week; mulch properly (not against trunk).
• No green anywhere: Top is dead. Roots may resprout next spring—wait and see.

Earwigs

Earwigs are scavengers, not primary tree killers. They indicate moist, organic mulch—adjust mulch depth (≤2 inches) and pull back from trunk.

Key Takeaway

Don't dig it up yet. The scratch test tells the story. Most heat-stressed trees recover if roots survive.