Rowan tree damage - help pls

RobinP · #1 (**permalink**) 17-09-2010, 08:34 AM

Hi

I've got a young Rowan tree in the front garden that is showing signs of leaf damage. At first I thought it was wind damage but on closer inspection there are leaves further down the tree that are similarly damaged.

I've examined the tree for pests but apart from one aphid I could see nothing, and no sign of any sort of fungus or blight. I've also seached the web and it seems Rowans are not susceptible to damage if this sort so if anyone has any ideas I would be extremely grateful. The tree is next to a privet hedge if tha makes any difference and is in shade most of the day.

I attach a couple of pictures of the worst affected stem which I have removed, the aphid is circled in red!

Thanks

Robin

Cotham Marble · #2 (**permalink**) 17-09-2010, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobinP

Hi

I've got a young Rowan tree in the front garden that is showing signs of leaf damage. At first I thought it was wind damage but on closer inspection there are leaves further down the tree that are similarly damaged.

I've examined the tree for pests but apart from one aphid I could see nothing, and no sign of any sort of fungus or blight. I've also seached the web and it seems Rowans are not susceptible to damage if this sort so if anyone has any ideas I would be extremely grateful. The tree is next to a privet hedge if tha makes any difference and is in shade most of the day.Robin

Looks very much like moth caterpillar damage - there are leaf miner moths associated with Rowan, although I'm not familiar with them. If the damage is limited I'd welcome it as a sign of the biodiversity of your garden.

CM

RobinP · #3 (**permalink**) 17-09-2010, 09:07 AM

Thanks for the quick reply, C M.

I've had another look but no sign of any caterpillars, perhaps they only come out at night

There was this green bug though and several more aphids. Maybe the bug will eat the aphids!

Dorts · #4 (**permalink**) 17-09-2010, 10:10 AM

I agree with CM, almost certainly caterpillar damage from one of a myriad of moth larvae that do such damage.
It will do no harm to the tree at this time of year as they are about to lose their leaves soon anyway.
Dorts.