What's eating my acer palmatum 'dissectum'?

Acer palmatum 'Dissectum' is susceptible to aphids on young shoots, scale insects on bark, and vine weevil grubs in containers. Tarsonemid mites can disfigure the intricate cut foliage. Deer browse stems in rural gardens. Aphids are the most frequent complaint, causing sticky honeydew and sooty mould on the ornamental leaves.

Infestations on new shoot tips; honeydew coating and sooty mould on the laceleaf foliage below Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; use a water jet; site in sheltered spot to reduce stress that attracts aphids

Hard brown or white lumps on stems and twigs; sap loss weakens growth over time Remove manually with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil in late winter; systemic insecticide as last resort

Grubs sever roots in container plants causing rapid collapse; notched leaf margins from adult feeding Drench with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in late summer; use vine weevil-resistant compost mixes

Stem and shoot browsing, especially on young or newly planted specimens in rural settings Install wire guards or use deer repellent spray around plants through the growing season