Pest identification
What's eating my hinoki cypress?
Juniper scale (Carulaspis juniperi)
Signs: White encrusted scales on needles and stems; yellowing fronds; branch die-back on severe infestations
Control: Horticultural oil in late spring at crawler emergence; repeat application in mid-summer; prune dead branches
Spider mites (Tetranychus spp.)
Signs: Foliage stippled yellow-grey; fine webbing between fronds in hot, dry conditions
Control: Water the plant thoroughly and regularly; horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 7–10 days
Deer
Signs: Foliage and soft shoot tips browsed; compact habit makes the whole plant reachable
Control: Deer repellent spray; wire cage or netting on young or small specimens
Keep hinoki cypress pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Hinoki Cypress pests — FAQ
What is eating my hinoki cypress?
Hinoki Cypress 'Nana Gracilis' is a slow-growing dwarf conifer that mainly suffers from juniper scale and spider mites. Deer will browse it opportunistically. In the UK, vine weevil grubs damage roots of container plants. Root rot from overwatering is more often the killer than any pest — drainage is essential.
How do I get rid of juniper scale (carulaspis juniperi) on hinoki cypress?
White encrusted scales on needles and stems; yellowing fronds; branch die-back on severe infestations Horticultural oil in late spring at crawler emergence; repeat application in mid-summer; prune dead branches
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus spp.) on hinoki cypress?
Foliage stippled yellow-grey; fine webbing between fronds in hot, dry conditions Water the plant thoroughly and regularly; horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of deer on hinoki cypress?
Foliage and soft shoot tips browsed; compact habit makes the whole plant reachable Deer repellent spray; wire cage or netting on young or small specimens