Most Common Arrowwood Viburnum Shrub Pests:
Identification and Treatment Guide

Arrowwood viburnum shrubs are popular landscape plants known for their attractive foliage, beautiful flowers, and vibrant berries. However, like all plants, they are susceptible to pests that can damage their health and appearance if left untreated. In this guide, we will explore some of the most common pests that affect arrowwood viburnum shrubs, how to identify them, and the best treatment methods to keep your plants healthy and thriving.

Aphids

Identification: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can be green, black, brown, or pink in color. They are commonly found on the undersides of leaves where they suck sap from plants.

Symptoms: Look for distorted or yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew residue on leaves, and the presence of ants on the plant.

Treatment: To control aphids on arrowwood viburnum shrubs, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can also help keep aphid populations in check.

Spider Mites

Identification: Spider mites are tiny pests that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They typically spin fine webs on the undersides of leaves.

Symptoms: Yellow stippling or speckling on leaves, fine webbing on the plant, and overall decline in plant health.

Treatment: To treat spider mites on arrowwood viburnum shrubs, you can rinse the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge the mites. In severe infestations, insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can be used.

Viburnum Leaf Beetle

Identification: The viburnum leaf beetle is a metallic green beetle with black spots and larvae that are yellowish-green with black spots.

Symptoms: Skeletonized leaves, defoliation of branches, and presence of beetle adults and larvae on the plant.

Treatment: Handpicking beetles and larvae off the plant can help control infestations. Insecticides containing spinosad or carbaryl can also be used to manage viburnum leaf beetles.

Scale Insects

Identification: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that attach themselves to plant stems and leaves. They can be brown, black, or white in color.

Symptoms: Stunted growth, yellowing leaves, sooty mold growth on leaves (a byproduct of scale insect secretions), and presence of scale insects on plant surfaces.

Treatment: Prune heavily infested branches and use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control scale insects on arrowwood viburnum shrubs.

Japanese Beetles

Identification: Japanese beetles are metallic green and copper-colored beetles with white tufts of hair along their sides.

Symptoms: Skeletonized leaves, defoliation of branches, and clusters of beetles feeding on the plant.

Treatment: Handpick adult Japanese beetles off the plant early in the morning when they are less active. Insecticides containing carbaryl or pyrethroids can also help control Japanese beetle populations.

Fungal Diseases

In addition to pests, arrowwood viburnum shrubs are also susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and anthracnose. These diseases can cause leaf discoloration, spotting, wilting, and overall decline in plant health.

Treatment: Fungal diseases can be managed by improving air circulation around the plant, watering at the base of the plant to avoid wetting foliage, and applying fungicides as needed.

By being aware of these common pests and diseases that affect arrowwood viburnum shrubs, you can take proactive measures to protect your plants and keep them healthy. Regular monitoring of your plants for signs of pest infestations or disease symptoms is key to early detection and effective treatment. Remember to always follow label instructions when using any chemical treatments on your plants and consider implementing integrated pest management practices for long-term pest control success. With proper care and attention, your arrowwood viburnum shrubs will continue to thrive and enhance your landscape for years to come.