POPLAR BORER

Poplar borer is a common pest of Swedish columnar aspen and trembling aspen in Alberta. People usually notice that the tops are dying back on their trees, and upon further inspection, discover weeping holes along the main trunks, and piles of sawdust at the base of the trees.

Borer larvae may feed on the interior of the tree for two or more years before pupating and emerging as an adult. During the larval stage, borers cause significant health and structural damage, shortening the lifespan of the tree.

Swedish columnar aspen is among the most widely planted ornamental trees in Alberta, due to its quick growth rate and effective use as a privacy screen in small urban yards. It is a relatively short-lived species, prone to other insect and disease problems, and as such, it is important to identify a borer infestation early-on, in order to save an important part of the urban landscape.