What's eating my italian cypress?

Italian Cypress is troubled most by Seiridium canker, which causes branch death and characteristic 'foxtail' brown patches. The cypress aphid, spider mites, and bagworm in US gardens are also significant pests. Trees under heat and drought stress are far more vulnerable — good irrigation is the first line of defence.

Resin-soaked cankers at branch bases; foliage above turns brown ('foxtail' symptom); can kill major limbs; no chemical cure. Prune infected limbs well below the canker with disinfected tools; remove and destroy cuttings; reduce drought stress; plant in well-drained sites.

Large colonies on inner stems cause yellowing and browning sections; honeydew leads to sooty mould; can kill hedge sections in a season. Spray with insecticidal soap, pyrethrin, or systemic neonicotinoid; encourage natural predators; monitor from spring onwards.

Bronzed, stippled foliage and webbing in hot summer weather; inner foliage most affected; weakens trees already under canker stress. Apply miticide; ensure adequate irrigation; forceful water sprays to dislodge mite colonies.

Silken foliage bags on branches; larvae defoliate needles causing brown patches; heavy attacks kill branches outright. Hand-pick bags in winter; apply Bt to young larvae in late spring; permethrin or spinosad for larger larvae.