What's eating my doublefile viburnum?

Doublefile viburnum is most threatened by viburnum leaf beetle, which can completely defoliate the shrub over several seasons. Aphids, scale insects, and deer browsing also cause damage. Check stems in late winter for egg-laying sites and remove affected wood early to prevent population buildup.

Skeletonized leaves from larval feeding in spring; adults create ragged holes in summer; repeated attacks cause dieback and plant death Remove and destroy egg-laying sites (twig tips with rows of raised bumps) in winter; apply insecticidal soap or spinosad to larvae in May; encourage parasitic wasps

Curled, distorted leaves; sticky honeydew residue and sooty mold on foliage, especially on new growth Blast off with a strong jet of water; introduce ladybugs or lacewings; use insecticidal soap spray if colonies persist

Browsed shoot tips and stripped bark in winter and early spring, leaving ragged tears on stems Use deer-repellent sprays (rotate products); install wire fencing or individual shrub cages in high-pressure areas