Nearly all shade trees are subject to borer attack. If the damage is severe, young trees are likely to decline or die.
Borers are the immature life stage of beetles or moths.
The damage these insects cause must be prevented rather than controlled because once borers gain access to the cambium, sapwood, or heartwood of a tree little can be done to control them. Several cultural practices will help reduce borer infestations. Usually, borers attack plants that are already in a weaken state from improper care or environmental stress. Trees in vigorous growing condition are not especially attractive to borer attack. The exception to this rule is the Bronze Birch Borer that will attack otherwise healthy White Birch trees.