What's eating my weeping blue atlas cedar?

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar shares the pest profile of the species — generally low pest pressure, but scale insects and spider mites are the most likely visitors. Its grafted nature means monitoring the graft union for weevil damage is worthwhile. Well-sited trees in good drainage rarely face serious problems.

Waxy or shell-like bumps on stems and needles; sticky honeydew and sooty mould; sustained infestations reduce vigour and cause yellowing. Apply horticultural oil in spring at crawler stage; systemic drench for heavy infestations; encourage parasitic wasps as natural predators.

Stippled, bronzed needles particularly on sun-exposed tips; fine webbing in dry conditions; needles may drop prematurely. Spray foliage with water to dislodge mites; apply abamectin or bifenazate miticide; ensure adequate irrigation to reduce stress.

Larval boring in young branches causes tip dieback and resin flow; adults notch-feed on bark of smaller branches. Prune affected tips below larval galleries; preventive pyrethroid spray on trunk and lower branches in spring before adult activity peaks.