I've just noticed many small holes in my ornamental crabapple tree. It seems to be some sort of wood boring insect as the holes are only in the trunk & larger branches. In many instances, there will be 3-5 very regularly spaced holes in a row. No other trees on the block seem to be effected including another smaller crabapple. The bark is also peeling back, like a paper birch tree and in early June, some leaves are turning yellow and dropping.

One, are these problems related? And secondly, do you know what type of insect is making the holes and how would I treat it. Thanks!

Greetings Rebecca:

Please take some high quality digital pictures and some foliar samples to your local U of I Extension office -- they will be able to assist you in the identification of this problem.

U of I's Distance Diagnosis Website: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/distancediagnostics/

I would like to know the answer/response to Rebecca's concern. I have just discovered the exact same thing on 2 mature flowering crabapple trees that are the centerpiece of my yard. Help!!!!

Hi Bonnie:

Please contact your local Purdue Extension office for assistance with your tree/shrub insect questions.

1) Identify the insect or causal agent; take pictures or collect samples.

2) Utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles; applying insecticide may not be the best course of action.

3) Contact a certified arborist for on-site technical assistance; contact your local Purdue Extension office for homeowner tree care questions.

Purdue Extension: https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Extension/Pages/faq.aspx