Pest identification
What's eating my cercidiphyllum japonicum?
Aphids
Signs: Soft colonies on shoot tips and underside of young leaves in spring; curling or yellowing of new growth; honeydew stickiness
Control: Encourage ladybirds and lacewings; remove colonies with a water jet; use insecticidal soap if the infestation is heavy or persistent
Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica)
Signs: Skeletonised leaves with veins left intact; metallic green beetles feeding during July–August in the US
Control: Hand-pick and drop into soapy water in the morning; apply neem oil as a deterrent; avoid beetle traps near the tree as they attract more beetles
Rabbits
Signs: Bark gnawing at the base of young trees in winter; complete girdling of young stems can kill the plant
Control: Fit spiral plastic tree guards or wire-mesh cylinders around the trunk for the first 3–5 years; repellent sprays provide temporary deterrence
Keep cercidiphyllum japonicum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Cercidiphyllum japonicum pests — FAQ
What is eating my cercidiphyllum japonicum?
Cercidiphyllum japonicum (katsura tree) is notably pest-resistant and rarely suffers serious insect damage. Occasional aphid colonies appear on new growth, and rabbits or deer may browse young specimens. In the US, Japanese beetles may chew leaves. Overall, pest management needs on established katsura trees are minimal.
How do I get rid of aphids on cercidiphyllum japonicum?
Soft colonies on shoot tips and underside of young leaves in spring; curling or yellowing of new growth; honeydew stickiness Encourage ladybirds and lacewings; remove colonies with a water jet; use insecticidal soap if the infestation is heavy or persistent
How do I get rid of japanese beetle (popillia japonica) on cercidiphyllum japonicum?
Skeletonised leaves with veins left intact; metallic green beetles feeding during July–August in the US Hand-pick and drop into soapy water in the morning; apply neem oil as a deterrent; avoid beetle traps near the tree as they attract more beetles
How do I get rid of rabbits on cercidiphyllum japonicum?
Bark gnawing at the base of young trees in winter; complete girdling of young stems can kill the plant Fit spiral plastic tree guards or wire-mesh cylinders around the trunk for the first 3–5 years; repellent sprays provide temporary deterrence