What's eating my stewartia monadelpha?

Tall stewartia is similarly pest-free to its Japanese relative. Scale insects and spider mites are the only pests recorded with any regularity, and both are opportunistic on drought-stressed trees. The exfoliating cinnamon bark is rarely attacked. Consistent moisture, acidic well-drained soil, and mulching eliminate most risk.

Crusty or cottony deposits on bark and twigs; honeydew drip and sooty mould on leaves below; reduced vigour and leaf yellowing on heavily colonised shoots Dormant horticultural oil spray in late winter; insecticidal soap targeting the crawler stage in early summer; prune out and dispose of heavily infested shoots

Pale stippled flecks on leaves; fine webbing on undersides; bronzed foliage in hot, dry weather; premature leaf drop in severe infestations Water tree deeply and mulch to maintain soil moisture; overhead misting reduces mite pressure; neem oil or insecticidal soap; avoid miticide-resistant strains by rotating products

Browsing of low branches and foliage; antler rubbing strips bark from young trunks in autumn and winter, potentially girdling the stem Tree guards or wire cages around young trunks; deer repellent sprays reapplied after rain; permanent fencing in high-pressure areas