What's eating my cercis canadensis 'forest pansy'?

Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' (Eastern redbud) is targeted by leafhoppers, scale insects, and caterpillars in US gardens, while deer browse its foliage and twigs readily. Cottony cushion scale can colonise stressed trees. In UK gardens, vine weevil and aphids are the main pests. Deer browsing is the most damaging threat to young trees.

Browse the heart-shaped foliage and young twigs; males rub antlers against the thin trunk, tearing bark and stunting growth. Tree tubes or wire mesh guards around trunks of young trees. Repellent sprays need regular reapplication; physical barriers are more reliable.

Pale stippled mottling across upper leaf surface through summer; leaves may yellow prematurely, reducing autumn colour intensity. Encourage predatory insects. For severe infestations, apply insecticidal soap or pyrethrin spray to undersides of leaves in early summer.

Brown dome-shaped scales on stems and branches produce honeydew and sooty mould; heavy infestations weaken branches. Scrape off scales and treat with horticultural oil in late winter when trees are dormant to smother overwintering scales.