Viburnum beetle larva (larvae?)

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
Kathleen Panama, NY(Zone 5a) Jun 28, 2008

My area is again suffering from viburnum beetle damage. I didn't get my snowball bush sprayed and it is again badly defoliated. The "bush" is probably a hundred years worth of bushlets growing around the area where the original bush was. We had to cut it out a couple of years ago. My question (besides the proper spelling of the plural) is: would it be better to cut these ten foot tall bushes back (they cover an area the size of a medium sized room), or should I just continue to try and catch the nasties with the insecticidal soap on the parts of the plant I can reach? The annual June "snowball" fight was a total bust this year, and I like the bush, but am sick of having "dead" bushes at the edge of the yard. I'm afraid it hasn't been very well cared for - took a back burner to finding the rest of the yard

Post #5171833
Quote
ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Jun 28, 2008

Slash and burn might just be the best answer in your case.

I have no personal experience with the pest (knocking on nearest viburnum trunk), but from what I read/hear, there can be (or are) multiple generations per season which leads to the plant being overcome by repeated defoliation. On the masses that you describe, there could be enough beetles produced to take over the county.

Destroying the current crop by cutting off and burning the bodies might help stem the tide for a while, especially if there are no good pickings otherwise. Trying to spray in bits and pieces would probably end up unsatisfactorily.

Post #5171854
Quote
Kathleen Panama, NY(Zone 5a) Jun 28, 2008

I'll knock on a bush for you - all of the wild viburnum around here are toast. Thanks for the answer. Maybe my 13year old grand son will have some fun with my bow saw.

Post #5171863
Quote
ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Jun 28, 2008

Sorry to hear that - not the species I'd have people practicing pruning upon, if possible.

Post #5171875
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads

Go to all Trees, Shrubs and Conifers threads
BACK TO TOP