Redbud Tree Pests

The redbud tree (Cercis canadensis) grows to a height of approximately 20 feet and a width of 20 feet. A native of North America, the tree is widely grown as an ornamental in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9.

Pest Types

• Redbud trees grow rapidly, but they often begin to decline when they are about 20 years old, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Pests such as treehoppers, scale insects, leafhoppers and caterpillars may infest the trees, but they rarely cause serious damage to a tree unless it is already stressed.

Effects

• The treehopper chews into the bark of the redbud tree. Nymphs and adults alike also suck the sap of the tree. Scale insects attack the tree's new growth stems and suck the sap of the tree, causing the new growth to become distorted and often die. Caterpillars and leafhoppers damage the tree's foliage, but usually not severely.

Prevention/Solution

• Maintain the tree's overall health through regular watering and fertilizer applications. A healthy tree will rarely suffer severe damage from any pest, according to the U.S. Forest Service's website. If the infestation of any insect is severe, identify the insect and apply the recommended pesticide or horticultural oil to gain control of the pest insect population. Pesticides may also kill beneficial insects.