(Picture provided by: Brookgreen Gardens)
This is a great question to be asked. Those branches weren't hollow or discolored
before the winter but now it seems they are! Yes, what you noticed before winter showed no sign of any insects present. Now you are finding partially hollow branches which indicate there are pest(insects) present. The most common insect that causes this type of damage is a small worm called the " Cane Borer". During the winter insects look for a shelter(a home) and it has to have a supply of food . Our rose bushes are the perfect place for them to live over the cold months ahead.
When bushes(hybrid T) are cut back to prepare for winter they are exposed to this type of insect. At the ending of the winter months we are able to see where the cane borer has entered the branch by a small hole. This can cause the branch to be discolored in browning of the cane(branch). Not to worry though, there are a couple methods used to rid your bushes of this pest or to prevent them from entering after preparing them for winter. The first option would prevent them from wanting to live there. You can use glue(white) after pruning the bushes by applying the glue on the cut areas. By placing the glue on the cut areas, this will prevent them from entering the bushes branch(cane). If you are finding damage after the cold months there is a simple solution to your problem. Just cut them out. Start your cuts a short way from where it was last pruned. At a 45 degree angle cut down until it is white with no signs of damage. If the first few cuts are showing brown, hollow, or are discolored in any way you will need to repeat the process. Some canes might not be able to be saved. If damage is throughout the whole branch(cane), just remove the branch(cane) entirely.
(Picture provided by: Brookgreen Gardens - example of a cane borer).
Great job! By removing this pest(insect) from your bushes you are giving them a head start to a healthy season. Way To Go!
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