How to save Ponytail Palm with borers?

[ClareD-]

My 30 year old ponytail palm may have had borers and heavy white stench oozing out of lower trunk holes for a few weeks. In six months it fell over and the lower trunk was just dry fluff.  A nearby 30 year old palm has its bark collapsing away from lower trunk. Feels mushy inside open holes only on 25% of very lower trunk...

How can I save this palm  and what is this disorder?

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @ClareD-,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Unfortunately, once borers get in, there is not much beyond the removal and isolation of the tree that can be done. This is mainly to protect the other trees around them as once they get in, the damage is likely already done and you should focus on protecting the unaffected trees around them.

If your palm that is still standing is in the early stages, a pest control expert may be able to help, but it is likely that you will need to contact an arborist for assistance in removing the tree to prevent further infestation of surrounding trees.

Allow me to tag @Noelle, @robchin and @Adam_W to see if they have any advice.

Jacob