Tips on insect damage
Most insect activity begins in spring and early summer, depending on each pest’s life cycle. Common culprits like aphids, caterpillars, leaf suckers, and vine weevils rely on fresh leaves to feed and grow — and trees are a natural food source.
Don’t panic about a few chewed leaves! Minor damage is completely normal and can even be a sign of a healthy garden ecosystem. A few nibbles now might mean beautiful butterflies later on.
If the damage becomes severe — where your tree is clearly struggling — you may need to step in. A commonly recommended treatment is a systemic insecticide such as ‘Provado’, available at most garden centres.
However, be cautious. Insecticides don’t discriminate. They will kill both pests and the beneficial insects that feed on them, such as aphids and ladybirds.
Only use insecticides if absolutely necessary. In most cases, it’s better to let nature find its balance — predators like birds, ladybirds, and parasitic wasps often control pests naturally.
Let your garden work with nature, not against it!
