What's eating my arrowwood viburnum?

Arrowwood Viburnum is highly susceptible to viburnum leaf beetle, its single most damaging pest. Repeated defoliation weakens and eventually kills the shrub. Aphids are common in spring on new growth. Deer browse viburnum readily. Arrowwood is considered more susceptible to viburnum leaf beetle than most other Viburnum species.

Larvae skeletonise leaves from mid-spring, consuming all tissue between veins; adults feed on holes through the entire leaf into summer, producing near-total defoliation. Prune and destroy egg-laying sites on stem tips in autumn (look for rows of bark-capped pits). Spray larvae with spinosad, insecticidal soap, or pyrethrum in mid-spring. Repeat as needed.

Soft clusters on soft new shoot tips in spring cause leaf curl and excrete sticky honeydew that leads to sooty mould. Use a strong water spray to dislodge colonies. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent infestations. Encourage beneficial insects.

Foliage and young flexible stems browsed heavily in autumn and winter, reducing the plant's ability to recover. Use physical fencing or spiral tree guards. Deer-repellent sprays applied in autumn and winter offer additional protection.