What's eating my weeping forsythia?

Weeping forsythia is generally robust but can be attacked by aphids on emerging growth, and four-lined plant bugs cause angular brown spots on leaves in summer. Stem gall and crown gall bacteria appear occasionally. Deer and rabbits browse young stems, especially before and after flowering in late winter.

Colonies on soft shoot tips; curled leaves; sticky honeydew droplets in spring Knock off with water; insecticidal soap spray; tolerate light infestations as natural predators quickly catch up

Angular, sunken brown spots scattered across leaves in early summer; nymphs are bright red or yellow Hand-pick nymphs and adults; apply pyrethrin-based spray early in the season; remove leaf litter where eggs overwinter

Torn or browsed stems and flower buds in late winter, reducing spring bloom Use deer repellent spray; install physical fencing or motion-activated deterrents around prized specimens