What's eating my davidia involucrata?

Dove tree is a low-pest ornamental but can be troubled by coral spot fungal dieback, and slugs and snails damage young plants. Aphids occasionally colonise new growth. In woodland settings, deer are the main threat to young specimens before they reach browse height. No specialist insects specifically target Davidia.

Small colonies on new shoot tips and expanding leaves in spring; slight distortion and sticky honeydew Allow natural predators to manage; apply insecticidal soap if colonies become dense; avoid over-fertilising with nitrogen, which promotes soft growth

Irregular holes in young emerging leaves and soft new shoots, especially on recently planted specimens Use iron phosphate slug pellets or copper tape; hand-pick at night; clear debris from around the base

Browse damage to low branches and young foliage; bark rubbing in autumn strips young stems, potentially girdling them Fit a wire cage or spiral tree guard on young trees; use deer repellent spray; site away from deer runs where possible