10 Most Common Pests and Diseases of Hedging Plants in the UK

1. 10 most common pests and diseases of Hedging Plants in the UK Aphids Aphids are sap-sucking bugs, around 3mm long, that usually infest the young soft growing tips of plants in spring and summer 01 Scale Insects 02 A sap-sucking insect that has a protective shell-like scale that covers its’ body, often resembling small limpets, there are a number of species in the UK which can affect hedging. Vine Weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) It is one of the most common garden pests. The adult weevils eat plant leaves during spring and summer, but it is the grubs that cause the most damage over autumn and winter when they feed on plant roots. 03 Winter Moth Caterpillars 04 04 Winter moth is a general name given to a number of species that have adult moths that emerge and lay eggs between November and April. The small caterpillars emerge in spring and eat holes in young and developing leaves of a wide range of deciduous trees, shrubs and hedge plants. Spider Mites There are a number of species of these small sap- sucking pests, and they are most commonly found in greenhouses. However, in warm dry summers, they can become a problem for plants growing outdoors too 05

2. Powdery Mildew Powdery mildews are fungal diseases of the foliage and green stems and are often specific to individual species. They are usually superficial as they cover the surface of the leaf. 06 Honey Fungus There are several species of honey fungus, all in the genus Armillaria. This problematic fungus spreads underground attacking and killing the roots of trees, shrubs, hedging and herbaceous perennials. Beech, Photinia, Privet, Holly, Yew and Prunus species are all particularly susceptible. 07 Phytophthora A large genus of microscopic pathogens often described as a fungus, and though they resemble a fungus they are distinctly separate. A disease associated with heavy and waterlogged soils, phytophthora will attack and kill the roots of young trees, hedging and shrubs. 08 Bacterial Canker (Pseudomonas syringae) Also known as ‘shothole disease’, bacterial canker is a waterborne disease that affects Prunus species. Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry laurel) varieties and Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese laurel) are more resistant than any other Prunus. 04 09 Fireblight (Erwinia Amylovora) 10 A disease caused by waterborne bacteria that affects members of the Pomoideae family. Hedging such as Cotoneaster, Hawthorn and Photinia can be affected. This disease is of minor importance as it is often too cold at blossom time for it to spread effectively. www.hedgeplants.com