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Q&A – What is causing branches of my
pecan tree to fall off?

Question:
 What is causing branches of my pecan tree to fall off?

Answer:
This is the result of the twig girdler which is the long-horned wood borer. The adult female lays her eggs on the end of the branch and then where the branch is about the size of a pencil she chews around the branch leaving a notch all the way around. When a wind blows the branch breaks off and falls to the ground. The eggs hatch and the larvae feed on the branches. Insecticide is not recommended to control this. Instead pick up and dispose of the branches that fall. This will reduce the population, but these insects are strong fliers so there will still be some that come in from surrounding areas next year.

Related Videos:
Last year the pecans had shells but no kernels. Why?
Why are there bumps on my pecan leaves?
Why did my pecans dry up on the inside of the shell?
My two pecan trees have not produced any pecans lately. What do I need to do?

Related Resources:
Twig Girdler
Twig Girdler/ Twig Pruner
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  • Home
  • Watch
    • TV Schedule
    • Full Episodes Online
    • How-to and Informational
    • Questions and Answers
    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
    • Gardening Resources
    • Blogs
    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
    • Privacy
  • Guests
  • Contact Us
    • Ask a Gardening Gardening Question
  • Search