In North Texas our local Certified Arborists have been seeing several Lacebark Elms dead with borer exit holes in the past week.

Borers Target Already Stressed Trees

The borers we are seeing in Lacebark Elms are secondary invaders. Meaning they attack trees that are already stressed by drought, disease, or poor site conditions.

How To Protect Lacebark Elms from Borer Damage

Because most borers are opportunistic, maintaining overall tree health is the most effective defense.

• Water Wisely – Stress from improper watering is one of the top reasons trees become vulnerable to borers. Use deep, infrequent watering and consider drip irrigation to support root health without overwatering.
• Prune Strategically – Remove dead, broken, or diseased limbs where borers often lay eggs. Prune during cooler months when pests are less active.
• Apply Mulch – A 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch conserves moisture and insulates roots—but keep it away from the trunk to prevent bark rot.
• Monitor for Signs – Check regularly for frass, sap leakage, wilting branches, and exit holes. If caught early, damage can often be mitigated.

Evidence of Borer Damage Includes

• Tunneling that disrupts nutrient and water flow
• Girdling of branches or trunks
• Sawdust-like frass at entry points
• Dieback of shoots, branches, or entire canopies
• Visible holes in the bark

Managing Existing Infestations of Borers in a Lacebark Elm

Once a tree is infested, treatment options become more limited:

• Topical insecticides applied to bark can prevent new attacks but don’t reach larvae inside the wood
• Biological controls like parasitic wasps may help in integrated pest plans
• Manual removal of larvae from infested wood may be possible with early detection

Note: Systemic insecticides are often ineffective for wood borers, and trunk injections can sometimes cause more damage than benefit.

Concerned About Borers in Your Lacebark Elm Trees?

If external symptoms are showing, internal damage from borers is often advanced. Schedule a consultation with a Texas Tree Surgeons Certified Arborist today so we can assess your tree’s health, identify early signs of borers, and implement tailored solutions. Regular arborist care is essential to keeping urban trees healthy since they already have the compounded stress of compacted soil, heat islands, and drought.

At Texas Tree Surgeons we love trees. There are times when expert intervention is necessary to tackle a serious borer problem. Knowing when to reach out for professional help can save your trees and give you peace of mind. Our trained certified arborists use scientifically backed methods to protect your trees effectively. Protect the longevity of your trees by having regular tree assessments.