Pest identification
What's eating my boulevard cypress?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Rusty-brown discolouration of inner and mid-canopy foliage; fine webbing on twigs
Control: Water plants well during drought; apply horticultural oil or miticide twice at 7-day intervals; avoid dusty, dry conditions
Cypress aphid (Cinara cupressi)
Signs: Mid-canopy yellowing then browning; sticky honeydew on lower foliage
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; use systemic treatment for large plants
Juniper/cypress scale (Carulaspis spp.)
Signs: Grey-white waxy crusts on stems; general yellowing and twig dieback
Control: Horticultural oil in early spring targets crawlers; prune heavily encrusted stems
Deer
Signs: Ragged browsing of soft foliage and shoot tips, particularly on young plants in winter
Control: Install deer fencing or use deer repellent sprays; plant in a protected location
Keep boulevard cypress pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Boulevard Cypress pests — FAQ
What is eating my boulevard cypress?
Boulevard Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Boulevard') is most commonly attacked by spider mites, especially in hot, dry weather, which turns the soft blue-grey foliage rusty brown. Cypress aphids and scale insects also pose a risk. Deer may browse young plants. Maintain moisture and inspect regularly through summer.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on boulevard cypress?
Rusty-brown discolouration of inner and mid-canopy foliage; fine webbing on twigs Water plants well during drought; apply horticultural oil or miticide twice at 7-day intervals; avoid dusty, dry conditions
How do I get rid of cypress aphid (cinara cupressi) on boulevard cypress?
Mid-canopy yellowing then browning; sticky honeydew on lower foliage Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; use systemic treatment for large plants
How do I get rid of juniper/cypress scale (carulaspis spp.) on boulevard cypress?
Grey-white waxy crusts on stems; general yellowing and twig dieback Horticultural oil in early spring targets crawlers; prune heavily encrusted stems
How do I get rid of deer on boulevard cypress?
Ragged browsing of soft foliage and shoot tips, particularly on young plants in winter Install deer fencing or use deer repellent sprays; plant in a protected location