What's eating my giant sequoia 'glaucum'?

Giant Sequoia 'Glaucum' is largely pest-resistant due to its high tannin and resin content. Sequoia pitch moth larvae can damage bark, and spider mites may infest stressed specimens in hot, dry summers. Deer occasionally browse young trees. Keeping trees well watered and avoiding trunk wounds is the best overall defense.

Large, globular pitch masses on trunk and main branches; weakened bark under the pitch; cosmetic damage usually, rarely fatal Remove pitch masses and larvae by hand in late summer; avoid bark wounds from mowing or staking; no effective chemical control once larvae are inside

Bronzed or dull blue-grey foliage; fine webbing on needle clusters in dry, hot conditions; premature needle drop Spray foliage with a strong water jet; apply horticultural oil or miticide in early summer; improve irrigation to reduce heat stress

Bark stripped or rubbed on young trunks; leading shoot browsed on small trees; antler rub damage in autumn Protect trunks with wire mesh guards for the first 3–5 years; tree tubes or fencing around young specimens in deer-pressure areas