Two years are required to complete the life cycle. Shoots damaged by adult feeding turn black, shrivel up, die and often fall from the tree. However, the direct feeding of the adults is not a serious danger to the tree. Larvae of this beetle bore in the phlorem at the base of susceptible trees. Larvae begin feeding in the root collar zone, but tunnel deeper into the roots as they become mare mature.
Heavy damage increases the chance of breaking during storms and shortens the life of the tree.
Damage is usually most severe on young trees. Larger trees often tolerate light to moderate infestations without apparent serious effects. Trees under stress and planted on poor sites suffer attack more often than healthy trees. Therefore, proper site selection, irrigation and fertilization are important steps to reduce injury. Small larvae can be dug out from the base of the trees in early September using apocket knife.