Question

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Followup To

Question -
Hi

I have a snowball bush that's over 20 years old.  Last year, the leaves developed a problem.  They have turned brown, and are "lacy", with only the veins on the stems.  This spring, the top has developed new leaves which are fine for the moment, but the bottom older growth have not, and still have these brown, lacy leaves.  The top is blooming as well, but not the bottom.  

What can I do to save the bush?  it's about 15' tall, and we do prune out older growth, but I don't want to cut it back completely unless I really have to.

Thanks so much for your help!

Carol

Answer -
Sounds like an insect called viburnum leaf beetle. This an insect feeds on the laef giving it a lacy appearance. These insects can be sprayed with an insecticide to control them. The tree normally refoliate after the initial attack by the beetle. Here is a web link to information on this insects which also gives contol recomendation: http://www.entomology.cornell.edu/Extension/DiagnosticLab/IDLFS/VLBfactsheet2003

Hi again--

I climbed up to reach the top portion with leaves--there are tiny little worms or caterpillars.  On closer inspection, they are also going up the branches from the ground. I am spraying with my "green" solution of dishwashing liquid & water, but I don't know if it's working.  Should I switch to diazinon?  I live in Maine, by the way.

Thanks.

Carol

Answer
Yes switch to Diazinon the "soap" is only making the insects "clean". Dishwashing liquid is added to fungicides to aid in the breaking down of the waxy surface on the leaves allowing the fungicide to enter the leaf cells-- it does very little for insect control.