QuestionI have a mature 25 yr old liquid amber. I live in Bakersfield, Ca. This tree has a severe catepillar infestation. Is the health of the tree at risk? I have it pruned annually around this time of year. Will the pruning help? Will this winters cold weather eliminate this infestation? Any adevice and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
AnswerThe caterpillars will not kill the tree --they may reduce the growth for this year. Pruning will have not effect on this or next years population. If this is a reoccurring event I would use a product called Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub insect control. It is applied to the soil and the roots take to up to the leaves and when the insect feeds on the foliage the insect is killed. IF the caterpillars have been a problem for two years running I would teat the soil around the tree in late spring. If this is the first year I would do nothing --usually natural predators will take care of these type populations.
