AusBonsai

Hi All

Ive had a busy week at work and a few late nights so I haven’t had much of a chance to check on my bonsais. I took a wander around them this morning for first time in about a week (love my irrigation timer).

For about 3 seconds I thought my privet was deciduous until a closer look......there was a big fat, heavy weight intruder who has had a feast this week. Barr remove it, is there anthing else i should be doing??


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The leaves will re-grow, Think of it as a free defoliation job. If you don't like your neighbours throw it over the fence.

Put it in a jar with some leaves. It will develop into a pupa and you get an amazing butterfly.

privet hawk moth https://australianmuseum.net.au/privet-hawk-moth
Send it up here the privet are a scourge on the North coast.

For the tree I would cut back each shoot to the first two buds. This will help with ramification.
Cheers,
Symon

Agree with Raging Bull, it's a free defoliation job... My privet is looking the same in places

When they are at that stage when I find them, I allow butterfly and moth larvae to pupate. I figure the damage is done, and I might as well let another pollinator loose on the neighbourhood.
If I catch caterpillars when they are little, it is a different story....