Bald cypress bark sloughing?

[Lars Grimm]

Hi All,

I have a bald cypress which I purchased last fall. Overall it appears to be in excellent health and has been pushing out a great deal of new growth. However, on one side of the trunk, the bark has start to slough off. It extends from the soil line all the way up to the apex. At one spot under the bark I see a small hole perhaps from an insect. Any idea what is going on ?

 

[Cadillactaste]

Curious if you have a boarer...I might treat for such just to be safe.

 

[aml1014]

I agree, just in case there is a borer I'd you systemics.

Aaron

 

[markyscott]

Where are all the buds on the trunk? Is the little branch below the top the only thing that leafed out?

 

[Heavy_Set]

Bite the wound

 

[sorce]

Pee in it!

Sorce

 

[Lars Grimm]

Where are all the buds on the trunk? Is the little branch below the top the only thing that leafed out?

I've been pinching out all the new buds. They are prolific though.

 

[Lars Grimm]

Curious if you have a boarer...I might treat for such just to be safe.

I have bifenthrin (Thalstar) available. From what I have just googled that might work, at least for clearwing borers. Any other suggestions?

 

[Cadillactaste]

I have bifenthrin (Thalstar) available. From what I have just googled that might work, at least for clearwing borers. Any other suggestions?

I've never dealt with the buggers myself. Other than having to cut a tip of a branch off. But, have read others who have. I wouldn't personally be able to offer up advice.

Here's a link of ways to rid them found here. Good luck... (I would also call a reputable nursery that does landscaping...they tend to keep on hand things we need to rid ourselves of pests as well.)
http://www.bonsainut.com/threads/mystery-dust-on-top-of-my-soil.20136/

 

[markyscott]

I've been pinching out all the new buds. They are prolific though.

I was concerned that part of the trunk might have been dead. Sounds like that's not a problem. Good.

 

[Lars Grimm]

I was concerned that part of the trunk might have been dead. Sounds like that's not a problem. Good.

You know, I'm not 100% sure that there have been any buds on that part of the trunk. I have been pinching off growth all over, but I am worried that that part of the trunk might be dead/dying.

 

[markyscott]

You know, I'm not 100% sure that there have been any buds on that part of the trunk. I have been pinching off growth all over, but I am worried that that part of the trunk might be dead/dying.

Maybe stop rubbing off the buds and let it grow for a while. Sloughing bark could mean part of the trunk is dead.

 

[Lars Grimm]

Maybe stop rubbing off the buds and let it grow for a while. Sloughing bark could mean part of the trunk is dead.

I think I'll try and treat with Thalstart and just leave it alone. I guess worst case scenario I could turn that side of the trunk into a carving. My biggest concern is whether I should try and pull off the bark to make sure there are no larvae underneath. I don't want to make a move that I can't come back from....

Lars