Japanese beetles - Ask Extension
How do I prevent the Japanese beetles from investing my linden tree
Knowledgebase
Japanese beetles #865713
Asked April 24, 2024, 11:33 AM EDT
How do I prevent the Japanese beetles from investing my linden tree
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Gretchen,
Unfortunately, linden trees are a favorite meal for Japanese beetles. Defoliation of well established, healthy lindens (and other trees) is usually not fatal but do leave an unsightly mess of the leaves (skeletonization) Some new varieties of linden have been developed that are more resistant, but that does not help with an established tree.
Defoliation is most harmful to recently planted trees (those planted in the last two to three years) and trees in poor health.
I am providing a link to a fact sheet for you to read. Japanese Beetle - 5.601 - Extension (colostate.edu) The fact sheet discusses some control methods, but these perky insects just won't go away. Control of the grubs that live in the lawn can help reduce future numbers, but that is only for your lawn. Picking the beetles in early morning from a plant and dropping them in a container with soapy water is helpful, but not that useful for trees.
Removal of other types of plants loved by the Japanese Beetle (listed in the fact sheet) from your yard may cut down on the number of beetles attracted, but cannot get rid of them.
I'm sorry there isn't a good answer to your prevention question.
Unfortunately, linden trees are a favorite meal for Japanese beetles. Defoliation of well established, healthy lindens (and other trees) is usually not fatal but do leave an unsightly mess of the leaves (skeletonization) Some new varieties of linden have been developed that are more resistant, but that does not help with an established tree.
Defoliation is most harmful to recently planted trees (those planted in the last two to three years) and trees in poor health.
I am providing a link to a fact sheet for you to read. Japanese Beetle - 5.601 - Extension (colostate.edu) The fact sheet discusses some control methods, but these perky insects just won't go away. Control of the grubs that live in the lawn can help reduce future numbers, but that is only for your lawn. Picking the beetles in early morning from a plant and dropping them in a container with soapy water is helpful, but not that useful for trees.
Removal of other types of plants loved by the Japanese Beetle (listed in the fact sheet) from your yard may cut down on the number of beetles attracted, but cannot get rid of them.
I'm sorry there isn't a good answer to your prevention question.
Hi Gretchen,
Unfortunately, linden trees are a favorite meal for Japanese beetles. Defoliation of well established, healthy lindens (and other trees) is usually not fatal but do leave an unsightly mess of the leaves (skeletonization) Some new varieties of linden have been developed that are more resistant, but that does not help with an established tree.
Defoliation is most harmful to recently planted trees (those planted in the last two to three years) and trees in poor health.
I am providing a link to a fact sheet for you to read. Japanese Beetle - 5.601 - Extension (colostate.edu) The fact sheet discusses some control methods, but these perky insects just won't go away. Control of the grubs that live in the lawn can help reduce future numbers, but that is only for your lawn. Picking the beetles in early morning from a plant and dropping them in a container with soapy water is helpful, but not that useful for trees.
Removal of other types of plants loved by the Japanese Beetle (listed in the fact sheet) from your yard may cut down on the number of beetles attracted, but cannot get rid of them.
I'm sorry there isn't a good answer to your prevention question.
Unfortunately, linden trees are a favorite meal for Japanese beetles. Defoliation of well established, healthy lindens (and other trees) is usually not fatal but do leave an unsightly mess of the leaves (skeletonization) Some new varieties of linden have been developed that are more resistant, but that does not help with an established tree.
Defoliation is most harmful to recently planted trees (those planted in the last two to three years) and trees in poor health.
I am providing a link to a fact sheet for you to read. Japanese Beetle - 5.601 - Extension (colostate.edu) The fact sheet discusses some control methods, but these perky insects just won't go away. Control of the grubs that live in the lawn can help reduce future numbers, but that is only for your lawn. Picking the beetles in early morning from a plant and dropping them in a container with soapy water is helpful, but not that useful for trees.
Removal of other types of plants loved by the Japanese Beetle (listed in the fact sheet) from your yard may cut down on the number of beetles attracted, but cannot get rid of them.
I'm sorry there isn't a good answer to your prevention question.
