OT any Ornamental tree guru's?

[Triggreef]

I have a plum tree planned in the fall, nice leave growth already but I got little white worm looking bugs eating my leaves. Any ideas?

I'm no gardener but if I have to spray the tree for pests I will. If they don't outright kill the tree then I don't know. Here's a pic...

 

[tom reilly]

If it is a catapillar, you need something with bacillus thuringyinsis in it. Under Bio wormkiller or BT worm killer. Spray in evening..

 

[kschweer]

More than likely moth caterpillars. Here is some decent info.

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/time-spray-plum-trees-worms-61833.html

 

[ksc]

Could be winter moth caterpillars. I use spinosad on my ornamental trees. Most places carry Captain Jacks Dead Bug Brew which is spinosad. It will kill worms/caterpillars on contact (unlike BT) in addition to when ingested. I use it once a week until June.

 

[Triggreef]

I forgot to mention you can see the pests in the pics. The little white spots about as big as sesame seeds, crawling all over the leaves...

Thanks for the link

 

[ksc]

Some pics here.

http://ipm.uconn.edu/documents/raw2/Winter Moth Update 2009/Winter Moth Update 2009.php?aid=243

 

[Triggreef]

Some pics here.

http://ipm.uconn.edu/documents/raw2/Winter Moth Update 2009/Winter Moth Update 2009.php?aid=243

Nothing like that, these are tiny like a thin sesame seed and they walk.

There's 2 on each leaf in my pic. One is right next to a hole where it's eating the leaf.

 

[Triggreef]

I think they have little legs. Tough to see even in person.

 

[ksc]

Tough to see but I think spinosad will take care of them. I have 100's of ornamental trees (japanese maples, fruit trees, dwarf conifers, etc) and every year I discover a new pest. Did you dip that tree in Bayer before planting?

 

[tom reilly]

sounds like you have aphids also. spinosad or neem oil for them. neem is cheaper. again spray in the even
ing and be sure to get under the leaves well.

 

[Triggreef]

Lol at the bayer dip!!

So can I just buy this stuff at home depot?

 

[mcarroll]

I could be wrong, but is it the Plum Cuculio Worm?
plum curculio worm

My favorite nursery either bags their fruit or sprays with Surround (maybe both in some cases?)....a koalin clay-based covering that makes a physical barrier. Time it right (which is not a mystery) and the buggers just can't bother your tree – they have to go elsewhere!

My favorite place:
http://ediblelandscaping.com/products/books/GrowingAids/SurroundWPOrganicSpray.php

More info:
https://www.planetnatural.com/wp-content/uploads/kaolin-clay.pdf
http://novasource.com/home/products/surround/
http://www.groworganicapples.com/organic-orcharding-articles/surround-kaolin-clay.php/
http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/1438993/where-do-you-buy-surround-kaolin-spray-from