What's eating my amelanchier canadensis?

Amelanchier canadensis faces its worst pest problems from birds raiding the berries and from the fungal diseases cedar-apple rust and fire blight — but several true insect pests also attack. Aphids colonise new growth in spring and tent caterpillars spin webs in branch forks. The fruit is so attractive to birds that netting is often the most practical control.

Orange-yellow spots on upper leaf surfaces from late spring; tube-like spore structures on leaf undersides; premature defoliation and weakening of the tree over repeated seasons Remove nearby juniper or cedar hosts where practical; apply preventative copper or myclobutanil fungicide spray at bud break; choose rust-resistant cultivars for new plantings

Berries stripped from the tree before they fully ripen, removing the ornamental and wildlife value of the fruit Drape fine mesh netting over the canopy before fruit colours; reflective tape or predator decoys deter birds temporarily; in wildlife gardens, sharing the crop is often preferred

Silk tents in branch forks in spring; caterpillars defoliate enclosed branch sections; trees in the Rosaceae family are primary hosts Remove tents by hand while small; apply Bt spray on exposed caterpillars; avoid chemical insecticides during flowering to protect pollinators

Dense colonies on new shoot tips and flower buds; sticky honeydew; shoot tips curl; early-season attack affects fruit set Strong water jet to dislodge colonies; insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybirds and hoverflies; avoid excess nitrogen fertiliser that promotes soft growth