Palo Verde Root Borers

I have seen many Palo Verde (PV) trees impacted by the Palo Verde Root Borer: truck and limbs turning golden brown, leaves drop. All these symptoms develop after the damage has been done. But this year I ran across something I have only ever described after the palo verde begins rapidly declining.

I have always told clients to look for broomstick sized holes in the soil under the tree canopy in the middle of summer if their PV begins turning a golden brown. Well how excited was I when I not only discover it at one client's property, but two properties in the same week! (palms sweating from excitement even as I write about it now!)

When I arrived to a property with a recently declined Mexican PV, I was confident what we were looking at was a death due to the PVRB, but a closer look and there was clear confirmation. The nasty beetle had been there, done damage and fled. So if you suspect your PV has declined due to this spiny-legged critter, take a closer look at the ground and look for these broomstick sized holes.

Unfortunately, often times a Palo Verde Root Borer infestation is a death sentence for the tree. Your best bet is to make sure your trees are healthy, watered appropriately and planted at the correct depth. This pest generally will not attack a healthy tree. It does seem to prefer the Mexican Palo Verde and Palo Brea species for a meal.