Cherry Blossom Defoliation by Caterpillars

Likely Culprits

Several caterpillar species can strip a cherry tree post-bloom. The damage is done for this year.

Spray Orthene (acephate) at first sign of feeding next spring.
Or use Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect Control as a soil drench early in the season (assumes ornamental, non-fruiting cherry).

Product link: Bayer Advanced.

Trees: Cherry Blossom Tree Leaf Drop in August: Drought Stress and Leaf Spots; Weeping Cherry Leaf Curl: Witches' Broom or Environmental Stress?; Pruning a Young Cherry Blossom Tree: Timing and Technique; Identifying and Managing Cherry Pouch Galls on Your Tree; Cherry Blossom Tree Sudden Death: Blight Diagnosis; Weeping Cherry Yellowing in Southern California Heat; Managing Leaf-Feeding Insects and Fungal Spots on Young Cherry Tree; Newly Planted Weeping Cherry Has Holes in Leaves: Insect Diagnosis; Neem Oil Burn on Weeping Cherry: Cause and Recovery; Cherry Blossom Leaf Curl: Heat and Humidity, Not Disease

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