Case Details
Hickory Tree Decline
Submitted by Matt Glewen on 9/3/2009
Five hickory trees (one mature and four young trees) have been showing signs of decline for several years. Galls are present and leaves have been dropping all summer. Any ideas on the cause or what needs to be done to save the trees?
Reply by Brian D. Hudelson on 9/3/2009
Matt:
I don't see anything obvious in the photos that you submitted. From a disease perspective, I'd watch for mushroom/conk formation at the base, on the lower trunk or in the root zone of the tree. There may be a fungal infection lower in the tree that might be causing the decline.
Brian (:))
Reply by Phil Pellitteri on 9/3/2009
Matt,
I do see some trees stay thin if they have had a lot of gall activity- but if there is significant dieback there is more going on- Check bark for bark beetles
There are systemic chemcial that can be applied by homeowner ( imidiadcloprid) or Arborsit( 3-4 choices) for gall- but must be applied in fall and it is a bit expensive
Phil
Reply by Barbara A. Larson on 9/4/2009
Matt, The past couple of years there has been some research by US Forest Service in Minnesota and Wisconsin on hickory decline. Preliminary results look like a combination of several insects and diseases. If you google hickory decline minnesota, you should get the report. Barb
