Gardening and Horticulture - Something Eating our Dogwood
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toddkijanka
05-30-02, 10:11 AM
Just planted, about a month ago, a dwarf dogwood and noticed something snacking on the leaves (Maybe catapillar or something). But since we are not around during the day don't know exactly what is eating it.
Is there a general spray on the market that will prevent insects from eating the leaves??
thanks for any and all suggestions
-Todd
Is there a general spray on the market that will prevent insects from eating the leaves??
thanks for any and all suggestions
-Todd
howiek
06-01-02, 04:26 AM
Hello Todd
A few insects on your plants is normal - birds will usually be cruising gardens for a tasty morsel.
If the problem is way beyond your tolerance levels, you could try an insecticide - there are two main types - systemic (which is taken up by the plant and ingested by the critters as the leaves are eaten) or contact (has to be applied to the insect to be effective). Diatomaceous Earth is a good example of the latter and is about the least envronmentally offensive product (in pesticide terms). The DE would have to be re-applied after every rainfall or high winds - it sometimes has a 'natural' insecticide added for quicker knock-down, but in it's unammended form, it gets into joints in the insects and literally makes them bleed to death.
A local nursery or garden centre could recommend a product that would suit your needs.
Good Luck
Howie
A few insects on your plants is normal - birds will usually be cruising gardens for a tasty morsel.
If the problem is way beyond your tolerance levels, you could try an insecticide - there are two main types - systemic (which is taken up by the plant and ingested by the critters as the leaves are eaten) or contact (has to be applied to the insect to be effective). Diatomaceous Earth is a good example of the latter and is about the least envronmentally offensive product (in pesticide terms). The DE would have to be re-applied after every rainfall or high winds - it sometimes has a 'natural' insecticide added for quicker knock-down, but in it's unammended form, it gets into joints in the insects and literally makes them bleed to death.
A local nursery or garden centre could recommend a product that would suit your needs.
Good Luck
Howie