Pest identification
What's eating my sungold cypress?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Browning of golden thread-like foliage from the inside out; fine webbing on twigs
Control: Water thoroughly in dry spells; apply horticultural oil or miticide; increase air circulation
Cypress aphid (Cinara cupressi)
Signs: Yellowing progressing to brown patches in the canopy; sticky honeydew residue
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; consider a systemic drench for large plants
Bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)
Signs: Silken bags on branches; shoot tip defoliation
Control: Hand-remove bags over winter; apply Bt or spinosad when larvae hatch in late spring
Keep sungold cypress pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Sungold Cypress pests — FAQ
What is eating my sungold cypress?
Sungold Cypress shares pest vulnerabilities with other Chamaecyparis pisifera cultivars. Spider mites are the most common problem, turning the golden threadlike foliage brown in dry summers. Cypress aphids cause mid-canopy die-back. Bagworms occasionally attach to branches. Monitor through summer and treat with horticultural oil at first signs.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on sungold cypress?
Browning of golden thread-like foliage from the inside out; fine webbing on twigs Water thoroughly in dry spells; apply horticultural oil or miticide; increase air circulation
How do I get rid of cypress aphid (cinara cupressi) on sungold cypress?
Yellowing progressing to brown patches in the canopy; sticky honeydew residue Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; consider a systemic drench for large plants
How do I get rid of bagworm (thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) on sungold cypress?
Silken bags on branches; shoot tip defoliation Hand-remove bags over winter; apply Bt or spinosad when larvae hatch in late spring