Water Oak Top Defoliation: Caterpillars Gone, Systemic for Next Year

20-yr water oak healthy except top new branches stripped of leaves. Insects likely finished cycle.

This Year

No spray needed—pest gone. Defoliation causes growth loss only if repeated yearly.

Next Spring

1. Soil drench imidacloprid (Bayer Advanced) at bud break.
2. Roots move to new leaves; caterpillars die feeding.
3. One application, full season.

Fall treatment ineffective—tree shutting down.