I have several Chinese Drake Elms in my yard.
Early spring we noticed saw dust trails pro-
truding from several trees. It was observed
that a brown "fat ant-like bug" was crawling on
the trees. I immediately sprayed them all
with Lindane and it appeared to worked. Now,
two of the three elms still haven't gotten their
leaves. Although there are some dead limbs (no
more than I usually observe), the two non-bloom-
ing trees are still green. One of the two trees
also appeared to be running sap from a lower
portion of the tree. Again, still a green tree.

Any ideas, suggestions, recommendations????

Reply to post by Tracy, on April 08, 2001 at 16:22:40:

It sounds like the trees are under stress, and that is attracting the beetles. The ant-like bugs may be innocuous or may be predatory on other insects, not causing the problems. The lindane may help by slowing the progress and infestation by the beetles.

Look to see what stresses thetrees might have suffered in recent years, such as drought, flooding/inundation, heat stress, construction, or other major impacts. Once the tree is stressed, the beetles take advantage and attack.

Find a qualified local arborist to check the trees for you. The American Society of Consulting Arborists can recommend highly qualified arborists and consultants in your area. Their web site and database is at

http://www.asca-consultants.org

or contact the main office at

American Society of Consulting Arborists
15245 Shady Grove Road
Suite 130
Rockville, MD 20850

The International Society of Arboriculture maintains a current list of ISA Certified Arborists. The searchable list can be accessed at the ISA Web site, at:
http://www.isa-arbor.com

Reply to post by Tracy, on April 08, 2001 at 16:22:40:

hi tracy, i have noticed every year that my chinese elms all leaf out at different times. some will have tons of leaves and others will still be bare, but they eventually all leaf out. I would still get them looked at by a certified arborist though. john