What's eating my nootka cypress?

Nootka Cypress (Xanthocyparis nootkatensis) is among the most pest-resistant conifers but is affected by cypress aphid in the UK and western Europe, where it is widely grown as a hedge and specimen tree. Spider mites and juniper scale cause minor foliage damage. Deer browse the pendulous foliage, especially on young 'Pendula' cultivars.

Colonies of large, grey-brown aphids feed on stems beneath the weeping foliage; causes brown patches that appear suddenly in late summer and may not recover; can kill large sections of established hedges or specimen trees Part foliage to inspect stems in June–August; spray with insecticidal soap, pyrethrin, or systemic acetamiprid at first sign of infestation; remove and dispose of dead foliage; avoid dense monoculture hedging

Fine webbing and bronze-grey discolouration on foliage, particularly on inner older growth; the pendulous branch habit makes interior infestations hard to spot until needle drop is noticed Apply dormant horticultural oil before bud break; insecticidal soap or bifenazate miticide during active infestations in cool weather; ensure soil moisture during dry periods

Deer browse the accessible weeping foliage, creating ragged lower canopy gaps; roe deer and muntjac in the UK target 'Pendula' specimens whose foliage sweeps near ground level Install tree guards or wire mesh cylinders around trunks and lower branches of young trees; deer-proof fencing for formal hedges; apply repellent sprays through the dormant season