Nearly all shade trees are subject to borer attack.
Borers are the worm-like, immature larval stage of beetles or moths.
Trees in vigorous growing condition are not especially attractive to borer attack. However, trees that are stressed due to physical damage, root damage or improper care are good candidates for borer attack. If the damage is severe, young trees are likely to decline or die and relatively few insects can kill mature trees. One type of borer that is particularly troublesome in eastern Nebraska is the redheaded ash borer. The redheaded ash borer attacks several species of shade trees, including white ash, green ash, oak and hackberry, but is most serious on green ash.