What's eating my japanese zelkova?

Japanese Zelkova is most commonly troubled by elm leaf beetle, whose larvae skeletonize leaves in summer. Zelkova is also susceptible to scale insects and occasionally aphids on new growth. Deer and rabbits browse young trees. Elm yellows disease is linked to leafhopper feeding. Good tree vigor and beetle monitoring are key.

Adult beetles chew holes in leaves; larvae skeletonize leaf undersides leaving a lace-like brown skeleton Apply Bt var. tenebrionis or spinosad targeting young larvae in late spring; systemic insecticide for large trees

Brown waxy bumps on branches; honeydew drips onto leaves below; sooty mold follows; twig dieback in heavy cases Apply dormant horticultural oil before bud break; summer oil or insecticidal soap targeting crawlers

Clusters of soft insects on new growth tips; leaves curl and develop sticky honeydew; sooty mold may follow Blast off with water jet; insecticidal soap spray; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps as biological control

Antler rubbing strips bark from young trunks; browsing of low branches and new foliage in spring Spiral guards or wire mesh on young trunks; deer-repellent spray reapplied monthly; tree shelters on saplings