What's eating my cercidiphyllum japonicum 'pendulum'?

The weeping katsura shares the excellent pest resistance of the species. Its sweeping ground-level branches can shelter slugs that damage emerging leaves in spring, and deer may browse the pendulous shoots that hang within reach. Aphids occasionally colonise spring growth. No dedicated pest regime is normally required.

Clusters on unfurling spring leaves; distorted, sticky young growth; minor cosmetic impact on mature trees Blast off with water; introduce or attract natural predators; targeted insecticidal soap if colonies are heavy

Holes and ragged edges in young emerging leaves at ground level, particularly in wet springs Apply iron phosphate pellets around the base; clear leaf litter from beneath the weeping skirt; hand-pick at night

Browse damage to pendulous shoot tips and low-hanging branches that fall within reach; young trees most at risk Fit a wire exclusion cage around young specimens; apply deer repellent to accessible shoots; protect for the first 3–5 years until height is sufficient