Borers of Pines and Other Needle Bearing Evergreens in Landscapes

Pines, spruces, and firs are commonly planted in Indiana landscapes individually or in groups to create green borders that mark property lines or protect homes from the wind. When stressed by adverse environmental conditions these trees can be attacked and killed by a variety of insects that bore into trunks and stems. Injury from borers can be reduced by helping trees protect themselves, recognizing and managing early signs of borer injury, and sanitation - the removal of borer infested trees from the landscape.