What's eating my cercis siliquastrum?

Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree) has few serious pests in UK gardens but can be troubled by coral spot (which follows pest damage), scale insects on stems, and leafhoppers in hot summers. In Mediterranean climates, caterpillars occasionally skeletonise leaves. Scale insects are the most commonly reported pest problem on established trees.

Brown hemispherical scales encrust stems; honeydew drips onto lower foliage and encourages black sooty mould. Apply dormant-season horticultural oil spray to smother overwintering scales. Scrape off visible colonies manually during the growing season.

Pale stippled patches on upper leaf surface during hot summers as nymphs feed on leaf undersides and suck sap. Tolerate low-level infestations; natural predators usually control them. Insecticidal soap spray to leaf undersides for heavy attacks.

Gnaw bark at the base of young trees in winter when other food is scarce, potentially girdling stems close to the ground. Fit rigid spiral or mesh tree guards extending at least 60 cm up from ground level on all young trees until established.