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How to rejuvenate a sick lilly pilly hedge?

Sadly my well established lilly pilly hedge has been attacked by green beetles. We were away (o/seas) and have come back to no new growth, attacked/chewed leaves and worst of all inside the hedge there are lots of dead branches.

Couple of days ago I have used liquid fertiliser, followed by slow release one (after trimming the outer parts of hedge). I then sprayed the ground, trunk and leaves with bifenthrin- as I found on other forums it is quite effective against green beetles. In the morning there was a lot of beetles dead on the ground- so it must have worked. I plan to repeat the spraying in 2 weeks- to break their life cycle.

i need advice on how to revive the hedge and what should I do with inside of it that has a lot of dear branches. Do I cut them? If so- how? - all way to live branch/trunk in some cases. If I do that - and the branch is dead to trunk- how do I promote new growth? I am scared I will completely decimate the hedge (I mean it has already been destroyed 😢)

The hedge provides a vital screen as it is along back fence blocking neighbor’s windows looking into our backyard.

If anyone has advice please let me know. Photos attached which show the current (sad) state of hedge- outside and inside.
thank you all!

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Comments

EricL

Hello @bianca_79

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about rejuvenating your lilly pilly.

You've taken effective initial steps to tackle the green beetle issue on your lilly pilly hedge with bifenthrin, and it's clearly reducing their numbers. However, reviving the hedge will require careful pruning, consistent care, and some patience. Start by pruning dead branches back to the trunk or the nearest live branch to encourage regrowth, being careful not to over-prune. Only remove dead or severely damaged branches and avoid cutting healthy ones, as these will help stabilize and regrow the hedge.

To promote new growth, continue with balanced fertilization—since you've already used liquid and slow-release fertilizers, supplementing with a gentle water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season can further boost recovery. Adding a layer of mulch around the base will help retain moisture and stabilize soil temperature, but ensure the soil remains moist, not waterlogged. Keep an eye on pest activity, especially as you plan your follow-up bifenthrin treatment in two weeks to prevent reinfestation and protect any new growth.

Encouraging regrowth in bare areas will take time, especially if the damage reached the trunk. You may want to use liquid seaweed or fish emulsion as a foliar feed, as these promote root resilience and leaf production. Given the hedge's role in providing privacy, consider installing a temporary screen, like bamboo panels or a fabric barrier, along the fence while it fills out. With this level of care, your hedge should gradually start to recover, but bear in mind that it may take a couple of growing seasons for full restoration.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

bianca_79

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/44103#Comment_44103

Wanted to follow up- for anyone with a similar problem.
1. completed 2 (2-week) treatments with bifenthrin- completely got rid of green beetle. Very effective.
2. Added Liquid fertilizer, plus liquid seasol- at the same time.
3. Had also a psyllid infestation- treated leaves (worked, twice over 2 week interval)

4. Pruned extensively- dead branches. Got rid of as much as I could.

5. Added slow release seasol pellets.
6. Put fresh mulch/bark

7. Was vigilant about regularly watering.

and the result one month later is phenomenal. Thriving- recovered hedge. New growth inside and out. See photo 🙂

Should I follow up with another bout of liquid fertiliser in couple of weeks?
thank you for your help!

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/84917#Comment_84917

That's a sensational improvement, @bianca_79!

Many thanks for the update and for explaining the steps you took. It will be very helpful for any members in a similar situation.

Another application of liquid fertiliser in a couple of weeks would be a great idea. Then, you might like to move onto a slow-release fertiliser to keep you covered for the next six months.

Mitchell

JayRod

Hi there,

I have exactly the same problem. Your results give me hope!

Would you be able to share the product you used to get rid of the beetles? 🪲

Last night I shook the hell out of my hedges and saw these green little monsters all over the ground and over me!

Thanks for any help you can provide.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57143#Comment_57143

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, @JayRod. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about controlling hedge bettles.

Let me tag @bianca_79 to see if they can answer your question and point you to the product they used.

I've checked some of our products, and I am not aware of any bifenthrin-based sprays that are registered for use on hedges. Most, like Richgro 2L Hose On Lawn Beetle and Grub Killa, are designed to be sprayed on lawns.

Let me tag @Noelle and @mich1972 to see if they have any thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

JayRod

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/90863#Comment_90863

Thanks for reaching out to everyone Mitchell!

Look forward to getting the bugs gone!

Noelle

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/90863#Comment_90863

Hi @JayRod

Bifenthrin is a pyrethroid insecticide registered with the APVMA for the control of a range of insect pests in domestic and agricultural situations. Most domestic products are either for use on lawns or as an outdoor/indoor barrier spray to keep pests at bay.

I would be reluctant to use it to spray a hedge unless the product label specifically says it can be used for that purpose or for application to trees.

As it is a member of the pyrethroid family, I would be more included to use a more home garden friendly natural pyrethrum spray which will kill the beetles on contact.

JayRod

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111367#Comment_111367

Thanks @Noelle , could you point me to a product I could use based on your recommendation?

@bianca_79 would love to hear what you used also, if possible.

Thanks everyone, this is great!

Noelle

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123111#Comment_123111

@JayRod , I'd look at either Multicrop 1L Pyrethrum Long Life Insecticide (ready to use) or Yates 200ml Pyrethrum Insect Pest Killer Concentrate

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