Question
I have just been reading about the lady whose bean tree leaves went brown.  I went on holiday and on my return half of my leaves had turned brown and fallen off - devastated as I love this tree.(This was last year). I am keeping a check on the tree this year and there are a few branches with no new buds, so shall cut these off.  However, the remaining green leaves last year were being eaten by something.  I asked at the garden centre and they could not help me.  Is there a special spray I should use for this wonderful tree as I dont want this to happen again.  I would appreciate your advices. Thank you.

Answer
Dear Jennifer, It sounds like you have catalpa worms in your tree.  These are the larvae of the sphinx moth and are very common.  You may think us crazy, but in the United States, people will often buy the trees in order to have the worms.  They are excellent fish bait, and once when I was working in a nursery and picking off the worms, some of the people who worked there told me not to as the people who like to buy the trees want to see the worms.  Sure enough, only a few hours later, I sold a catalpa tree to some people just for the worms.  However, I do understand that they can be distressing when you just want the beautiful tree.  You can spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), which is specific to killing caterpillars, or you can spray the tree with any product that contains Spinosad.  The worms will start to feed and then die.  Both products are organic and should be very available in your area, but let me know if you have trouble finding them.  The other option is to go fishing.  By the way, if you suspect your tree is getting a fungus later in the year, at that time you can spray with NEEM, also organic, and that should fix that problem.  Be sure not to over or underwater this tree.  It grows wild here, and the trees are blooming like crazy.  I hope this information helps, but be sure to write back if you have more questions.  By the way, be aware that the caterpillars are drawn to this tree, so you will see them from time to time.  Good luck, Melissa