What's eating my trident maple 'kifu'?

Trident Maple bonsai are vigorous and rarely troubled by pests when growing well. Aphids are the most common spring problem, clustering on tender new growth. Spider mites and scale appear in summer stress. Caterpillars occasionally browse leaves. Inspect in early spring as buds break — that is when aphid populations explode fastest.

Dense clusters on young shoots and leaf undersides in spring; honeydew, sooty mold, and distorted new leaves Jet of water to dislodge colonies; neem oil or insecticidal soap for persistent infestations; natural predators effective outdoors

Stippled, bronzed leaves and fine webbing on leaf undersides — worst in hot, dry periods or with poor air circulation Increase humidity and watering frequency; treat with neem oil or miticide; avoid overhead watering that splashes soil-borne spores

Waxy brown bumps on bark and branches, sticky secretions, and gradual weakening of shoots Horticultural oil application; scrape off manually where accessible; dormant oil in late winter gives good preventive coverage