They do not respond favorably to water and fertilizer applications. No chemical control is available. Check with your County Extension agent for more details, and check plant root rot for other root-related problems. Scale insects Usually found on twigs or branches. They can appear in various colors and shapes.
Entire branches turn brown and die during the growing season.
Look for evidence of bark splitting near base of limbs or at ground. Use recommended cold-hardy varieties for your area. Keep the plants in good thrifty condition. Avoid fertilizer and cut back on water during late summer to avoid stimulating growth, then water heavily after the first hard freeze to provide moisture during the winter.