Fruit trees are best protected from borers by keeping them healthy through proper watering and fertilization, because borers usually attack weakened or stressed trees. Prevention matters most, since borers already inside a tree can be very difficult to control.

Why do borers attack fruit trees?

Because a weakened or stressed tree is easier for them to take hold in. Once inside, their tunnels through the trunk and branches interfere with the flow of water and nutrients within the tree.

What are the signs of borers in a fruit tree?

Small holes in the trunk with gummy sap oozing from them, small mounds of sawdust at the base, and leaves and branches that wilt and turn brown during the growing season.

How does feeding a peach tree help keep borers out?

By avoiding the soft growth that fast release nitrogen produces, which lets the peachtree borer take hold more easily. Feeding a peach with TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer: Peach once in spring, as new growth begins and before the bloom fully opens, releases nitrogen slowly across the whole growing season.

What can be done once borers are inside a fruit tree?

The trunk and large branches can be sprayed with an insecticide designed to kill borers, using one whose label covers fruit trees. Even then, borers already tunneling inside the wood can be very difficult to control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a systemic soil drench labeled for fruit trees?

Yes. Fruit Tree & Vegetable Systemic Soil Drench 32oz, an imidacloprid drench mixed in water and applied around the base, is labeled for listed fruit and nut trees including apple, peach, cherry, and plum, so its label should be checked for the borer being treated.

Can every systemic tree treatment be used on a fruit tree?

No. Some systemic treatments made for ornamental trees are labeled not to be applied to food bearing plants, so only products whose labels list fruit trees belong on one.

Which fruit trees do borers attack?

Peach and cherry are both affected. The peachtree borer attacks both, and the shothole borer also attacks cherry.

Should an arborist be called for borers?

Often, yes. Borers can be very difficult to control once inside a tree, and a professional arborist can help.