What's eating my alpine totara?

Alpine Totara (Podocarpus nivalis) is a tough, low-growing New Zealand native and largely pest-resistant in garden settings. Scale insects are the most documented threat, occasionally appearing on stems. In areas with deer and rabbit populations, young plants can be browsed. Aphids may visit new growth in spring but rarely cause lasting damage.

Crusty brown bumps on stems and branches; yellowing and weakened growth if infestations build up Apply horticultural oil in late winter to smother overwintering scales; treat active crawlers with insecticidal soap spray in spring and early summer

Clustered soft-bodied insects on new spring shoots; slight leaf distortion and sticky honeydew Knock off with a strong water jet; insecticidal soap spray if needed; natural predators such as lacewings and ladybugs usually control populations without intervention

Browsed shoot tips and stripped low branches on young compact plants in the first few years Protect new plantings with wire mesh guards or rabbit-proof fencing until the plant is established and woody enough to deter casual grazing