How to treat struggling weeping cherry?

Hi there, I have a very well established weeping cherry but it isn’t looking too flash at the moment. It only has leaves on the lower section. There’s evidence that something is eating the upper leaves.

I’m hoping someone can help me with this.

Regards

Aubrey

Regards

Aubrey.

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Comments

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @OldAubrey. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about weeping cherry care.

It does look like your weeping cherry may be dealing with some sort of pest issue, especially if the upper leaves are being eaten. Caterpillars are a common culprit this time of year and can strip the top growth quite quickly. If that’s the case, a product like Dipel can be a safe and effective way to control them, especially since it targets caterpillars without harming beneficial insects.

To get a better idea of what’s going on, could you upload a photo of some of the partly chewed leaves or affected branches? That would help narrow down the cause and make sure we’re recommending the right treatment.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

OldAubrey

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/52126#Comment_52126

Thanks Mitchell,

Attached are some photos that I hope helps.

Aubrey

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/88259#Comment_88259

That certainly looks like caterpillar chew marks, so I would apply some Dipel to it, @OldAubrey. Perhaps head out late tonight and see if you can catch them in the act. Applying the Dipel when the caterpillars are active would be the most effective method. Ensure you spray the whole plant.

Given the amount of damage, I would suspect the ground beneath would be covered with caterpillar frass, which looks like this image. Is there any around? The droppings would only be a millimetre or two wide.

Mitchell

OldAubrey

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/109774#Comment_109774

I’ll have a look tonight and see if I can get a photo of the little devils. I have mulch in the garden bed so I doubt I’ll see any droppings. However, I’ll peg out an old bed sheet later this arvo and the droppings might show up then.

If I have to spray the tree what would be the best sprayer to get? I’m assuming any overspray won’t harm healthy plants in the vicinity?

Aubrey

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/122234#Comment_122234

A Nylex 1L Manual Garden Sprayer would be the best one for the job, @OldAubrey. The spray does not harm plants.

Mitchell

OldAubrey

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/122234#Comment_122234

I couldn’t see any frass under the tree but there’s definitely something on the plant. At night I could see very small glistening blobs that I’m sure weren’t there during the day.

Perhaps they are fresh frass that hasn’t fallen off yet?

Please see photos below.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/130230#Comment_130230

Hello @OldAubrey

It might very well be, and the caterpillars have moved on. I propose following Mitchell's recommendation in regards to spraying with Dipel. My best advice is to make sur to spray under the leaves as well for full coverage.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when using sprays in your garden.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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