Red beech hedges are very robust. Nevertheless, severe infestations by pests are also more common here. While older hedges cope well with a pest infestation, the insects can seriously damage young trees. How to identify pests and fight them effectively.

Beech trees are rarely attacked by diseases and pests

Which pests are common on beech hedges?

There are three pests in particular that cause problems for a beech tree, especially a young tree or a freshly planted hedge:

  • white bow tie
  • hornbeam spider mite
  • beech wool louse

Basically, you should regularly check the beeches for pests. You must act at the latest when the hedge turns brown and the leaves curl up and fall off.

Whiteflies sit on the undersides of the leaves or hover around the bushes. Spider mites cover the leaves with a fine web. The beech wool aphid also occasionally has small wings and is therefore often confused with the whitefly. But she stays on the page. Lice excrete a sticky coating called honeydew. This allows the species of pest to be clearly identified.

Control whitefly and spider mites

Whiteflies and spider mites are not quite as dangerous. Whiteflies can be caught with yellow boards; Spider mites can be treated with a mixture of 3 parts water and 1 part rapeseed oil. A bit of dish soap will make the two mix.

Measures against the beech wool aphid

The beech wool aphid is protected from most insecticides by the honeydew. However, the rapeseed oil-water mixture is also effective against these pests. Nettle stock is also effective against the fluffy white insects.

It is important that the whole plant is sprayed carefully. This applies above all to the underside of the leaves, on which the lice attach themselves particularly frequently.

Dispose of trimmings and fallen leaves safely

In the case of a slight pest infestation, it can help to cut off infested parts of the plant. In any case, you should carefully rake up the fallen leaves.

Dispose of leaves and clippings in the dustbin or incinerate if permitted. Under no circumstances should they be used on the compost or as mulch material for fertilizing.

tips

Create good conditions in the garden for beneficial insects that will eat the pests on beech hedges. These include lacewings, ladybugs and hoverflies. A good option is to hang up so-called insect hotels near the beech hedge.

Category:

Garden design