Bagworms on arborvitae - Ask Extension
The 30 year old tree has become increasingly affected by bag worms, as shown on the attached photos. For several years, I have picked off the worms ...
Knowledgebase
Bagworms on arborvitae #194437
Asked June 26, 2014, 9:12 AM EDT
The 30 year old tree has become increasingly affected by bag worms, as shown on the attached photos. For several years, I have picked off the worms and disposed of them. But they are more numerous this year than in the past. Also, the tree has grown to a height that it is not possible for me to trim. So, I need to call a guy in for the next step.
The question is, do I ask him to cut the tree down, at the base, or trim it back and leave room for regrowth. Obviously, I planted it in too small of a space which might make the choice of cutting it down more obvious. But, it still serves some purpose where it is, if it can be saved.
The question is, do I ask him to cut the tree down, at the base, or trim it back and leave room for regrowth. Obviously, I planted it in too small of a space which might make the choice of cutting it down more obvious. But, it still serves some purpose where it is, if it can be saved.
Brazos County Texas
Expert Response
Bagworms seem to be occurring in higher numbers this year.
Once pruned, the arborvitae will most likely not regrow branches and foliage to replace ones removed. This is confirmed by information in a Georgia Extension publication: "Junipers do not tolerate heavy pruning because of the lack of new growth on old wood. This makes it important to know the growth habit of a particular juniper prior to planting so that future pruning can be minimized. Junipers can be tip pruned and thinned, but not cut back to large limbs. Pruning out old, dead foliage underneath creeping junipers will often contribute to better air circulation and thus better health of the plant."
Nice publication from Ohio Extension that covers control measures thoroughly.
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/pdf/2149.pdf
While it may be a hard decision, an option is to remove the tree and replace with something more suited in size to the area.
Once pruned, the arborvitae will most likely not regrow branches and foliage to replace ones removed. This is confirmed by information in a Georgia Extension publication: "Junipers do not tolerate heavy pruning because of the lack of new growth on old wood. This makes it important to know the growth habit of a particular juniper prior to planting so that future pruning can be minimized. Junipers can be tip pruned and thinned, but not cut back to large limbs. Pruning out old, dead foliage underneath creeping junipers will often contribute to better air circulation and thus better health of the plant."
Nice publication from Ohio Extension that covers control measures thoroughly.
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/pdf/2149.pdf
While it may be a hard decision, an option is to remove the tree and replace with something more suited in size to the area.
