Is this beetle damaging my tree?

[Common Sense Al]

I found this beetle on my red oak today (which isn't in great shape to begin with). It seems to be "leaking sap" in several spots, with ants enjoying the sap.

I was wondering if it was one of those damaging wood boring beetles and thus causing the damage or just drinking the tree sap like the ants. It seems similar (but not exact, as far as I could tell) to some that have come up when I searched for "wood boring beetle".

And I wonder if the sap is coming out due to the recent rain and maybe due to some hail damage?

Does anyone know? What should I do if anything (I did smash it after taking the photos)? Pipeline?

[Rosemary]

You might want to ask Howard Garrett, who has an organic gardening column in the Dallas Morning News. He answers questions like this all the time.

www.dirtdoctor.com

[Common Sense Al]

You might want to ask Howard Garrett, who has an organic gardening column in the Dallas Morning News. He answers questions like this all the time.

http://www.dirtdoctor.com

Thanks... I sent him an email.

[Common Sense Al]

You might want to ask Howard Garrett, who has an organic gardening column in the Dallas Morning News. He answers questions like this all the time.

Got a reply!

This is the green June bug and does eat plant foliage. It can be killed with the EcoEXEMPT or EcoSMART essential oil products. There is more information about this insect in our Texas Bug Book.

I think I may already have the EcoSMART product he's referring to - at least I have something that is EcoSMART.

I'm glad it's not a wood boring beetle as I assume that would be more of a problem.

[Pipeline]

I found this beetle on my red oak today (which isn't in great shape to begin with). It seems to be "leaking sap" in several spots, with ants enjoying the sap.

I was wondering if it was one of those damaging wood boring beetles and thus causing the damage or just drinking the tree sap like the ants. It seems similar (but not exact, as far as I could tell) to some that have come up when I searched for "wood boring beetle".

And I wonder if the sap is coming out due to the recent rain and maybe due to some hail damage?

Does anyone know? What should I do if anything (I did smash it after taking the photos)? Pipeline?

Are you having trouble with that red oak again? The bleeding sap could be trunk borers, or sun scald if on the west side. Ants, wasps and other bugs like the sap, but do no damage. Did you wrap the trunk like I told you? Buy a 10 dollar Red oak stick, this fall when Lowe's is clearing out trees for Christmas crap. plant it 3 feet from the current one and 5 years from now yank out the one you don't like. Sounds like you have an Oklahoma pin oak instead of a Red oak. If the bottom limbs grow down, the middle limbs grow straight out, Pin oak. Get rid of it, our soil pH is too high for it to survive.

But what do I know?

[Common Sense Al]

Are you having trouble with that red oak again?

I've not had good luck with this tree... I've lost 2 trees and on my 3rd which was scawny to begin with. I suspect at least one time was my fault because I didn't water it well during the summer.

Did you wrap the trunk like I told you?

Yes, I wrapped it a few weeks ago. I also fertilize it twice a year with fertilizer spikes (but I think you said you don't like those).

Buy a 10 dollar Red oak stick, this fall when Lowe's is clearing out trees for Christmas crap. plant it 3 feet from the current one and 5 years from now yank out the one you don't like. Sounds like you have an Oklahoma pin oak instead of a Red oak. If the bottom limbs grow down, the middle limbs grow straight out, Pin oak. Get rid of it, our soil pH is too high for it to survive.

I'll keep that in mind and buy it if I come across it... it's probably about time for the Christmas crap to start rolling out if it's not out already.

I'll check the limbs next time I go out and see how they're growing, thanks.

[love Lantana]

Christmas is already half off at hobby Lobby, they had it out before the 4th of July