Mugo Pine Problems - Ask Extension
Hi! Could you help my identify what is wrong with my mugo pine? There's a caterpillar on it, picture included. The tips of the branches look bad. What...
Knowledgebase
Mugo Pine Problems #596572
Asked September 13, 2019, 3:54 PM EDT
Hi! Could you help my identify what is wrong with my mugo pine? There's a caterpillar on it, picture included. The tips of the branches look bad. What is going on? What can I do about it.
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
This looks like Eacles imperialis, an Imperial Moth larvae. This larvae did not do the damage. It is getting ready to pupate and no control is necessary. https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewSpecies.php?species=335
It is possible that you may have symptoms of pine sawfly damage from earlier in the season. https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/redheaded-pine-sawfly-shrubs
At this point, we recommend that you leave the plant alone. Monitor the plant next spring and look for new growth. You can send us photos if you notice additional symptoms.
Marian
It is possible that you may have symptoms of pine sawfly damage from earlier in the season. https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/redheaded-pine-sawfly-shrubs
At this point, we recommend that you leave the plant alone. Monitor the plant next spring and look for new growth. You can send us photos if you notice additional symptoms.
Marian
What do you think the white scaley stuff on the tips is?
We think that the white tips are a protective type of sheath on the new growth which will winter through, and then dry and slough off as the tips expand next spring.
Christine
Christine
