Tree with large wound in trunk and larva or eggs inside - Ask Extension
Hello, I have a small tree in my yard that has a very large opening/wound in the trunk. I have also noticed inside the wound there are eggs or some so...
Knowledgebase
Tree with large wound in trunk and larva or eggs inside #925999
Asked March 13, 2026, 3:58 PM EDT
Hello, I have a small tree in my yard that has a very large opening/wound in the trunk. I have also noticed inside the wound there are eggs or some sort of larva. I would like to know how I can treat the tree and get it healthy. I'm also wondering what type of larva/eggs they may be and what I can do so there won't be an infestation. the straps were located on the tree while it was growing to keep it up straight.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
It's difficult to determine how to care for the tree by viewing the photos. To get the help you need, ask a certified arborist to assess the tree's health onsite and recommend a course of action. If you decide to do that this information may be useful:
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
We suggest removing everything that was installed to straighten the tree. It no longer serves the purpose and may harm the tree's health by constricting its growth. To learn why, see Figure 3 in the following publication:
https://trees.umn.edu/sites/trees.umn.edu/files/2021-08/Staking%20and%20Guying%20Trees%20in%20the%20Landscape_0.pdf
The trunk was damaged some time ago. The injury might have been the result of a frost crack or abrasion caused by lawn equipment. In any case, the wound has not closed and dead wood is present.
We can't be sure by viewing the photos, but what appear to be eggs or larvae may be fungal growth on the dead and dying wood. An arborist will be able to identify what's there.
Although the tree may have been mulched when it was planted, grass now covers the tree's roots and competes for moisture and nutrients. Removing the grass and restoring the mulch will benefit the tree. Learn more here:
https://extension.psu.edu/mulching-landscape-trees
It might or might not be possible to restore the tree's health, or at least preserve its landscape value for years, but its prospects can best be assessed by an arborist during the growing season.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
We suggest removing everything that was installed to straighten the tree. It no longer serves the purpose and may harm the tree's health by constricting its growth. To learn why, see Figure 3 in the following publication:
https://trees.umn.edu/sites/trees.umn.edu/files/2021-08/Staking%20and%20Guying%20Trees%20in%20the%20Landscape_0.pdf
The trunk was damaged some time ago. The injury might have been the result of a frost crack or abrasion caused by lawn equipment. In any case, the wound has not closed and dead wood is present.
We can't be sure by viewing the photos, but what appear to be eggs or larvae may be fungal growth on the dead and dying wood. An arborist will be able to identify what's there.
Although the tree may have been mulched when it was planted, grass now covers the tree's roots and competes for moisture and nutrients. Removing the grass and restoring the mulch will benefit the tree. Learn more here:
https://extension.psu.edu/mulching-landscape-trees
It might or might not be possible to restore the tree's health, or at least preserve its landscape value for years, but its prospects can best be assessed by an arborist during the growing season.
