Hornbeams can unfortunately also be attacked by spider mites. In this case, you should rush to help the otherwise robust tree as quickly as possible. Here you can find out how to recognize an infestation and what to do about it.
How do I recognize and combat spider mites on the hornbeam?
To recognize spider mites on hornbeams, look for leaves with small dots and fine webs. Fight the infestation by removing infected plant parts and using a spray or natural enemies. Avoid spider mites by providing sufficient moisture and mulching the hornbeam.
Tip
Spider mites usually attack hornbeams in the hot or dry time of the year. When humidity is low and temperatures are high, pests develop faster and are particularly active. An infestation of the hornbeam can be recognized by the fact that the leaves are first covered with small dots and then covered by a fine network. If you don't respond to these signals at all, the leaves will eventually fall off the tree. To avoid hornbeam infestation, you should water and spray the plant regularly. It is also recommended to mulch the hornbeam.
How do I recognize spider mites on the hornbeam?
You can recognize a spider mite infestation because the leaves are first covered with smalldotsand then covered by afine mesh. If you don't respond to these signals at all, the leaves will eventually fall off the tree. Accordingly, an infestation of the hornbeam should not leave you indifferent. The spider mites themselves are so small that you will hardly be able to see them even with the naked eye.
What helps against spider mites on the hornbeam?
CuttingCut off the affected parts of the plant and treat the entire hornbeam with aspray against spider mites. The sooner you detect an infestation, the less you have to cut off the hornbeam. You should burn the clippings or dispose of them in closed organic waste. You can get spider mite sprays from specialist garden shops. Alternatively, you can also use natural enemies of the animals. These include:
- the predatory mite species Phytoseiulus persimilis
- the gall midge species Feltiella acarisuga
When do spider mites appear on the hornbeam?
Spider mites usually attack hornbeams in thehotordry time of the year. When humidity is low and temperatures are high, pests develop faster and are particularly active. This means that they mainly occur in summer - or when the air is dry, as occurs indoors in winter.
How do I avoid spider mites on the hornbeam?
Provideenough moisture and more humidity and you can prevent spider mites. Regular watering and spraying the hornbeam with water are suitable for this. However, you should not wet the leaves of the hornbeam with moisture in the blazing sun. Otherwise this could lead to damage to the leaves.
Tip
Mulch the hornbeam
Mulching the hornbeam is also highly recommended as a measure against spider mites. This ensures that the soil does not dry out so quickly and that the tree has enough moisture. Then the pest will not attack the tree so quickly.