Can I use systemic pesticides?

Systemic pesticides are generally discouraged for large trees due to the risk to pollinators. Stick to cultural controls.

Will the tree recover next year?

Yes, the tree will grow a fresh set of leaves in the spring. The pests do not usually cause permanent damage.

What is eating my horse chestnut leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look for tunnels inside the leaves.
Inspect the twigs for small bumps.
Check for sticky residue on the leaves.

Likely causes

Leaf miner larvae
Most likely
How to tell: You will see white or brown winding tunnels inside the leaf tissue.
What to do: Clean up all fallen leaves in the fall to break the pest life cycle. Encourage natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps in your garden.
Scale insects
Possible
How to tell: Small bumps on the twigs or undersides of leaves that look like tiny shells.
What to do: Scrub the branches gently with a soft brush and soapy water. Use horticultural oil in early spring to smother the eggs.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your horse chestnut

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Leaf miners rarely kill a tree, but they can make it look brown by midsummer. Treat if the infestation is severe enough to cause total defoliation.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain tree health with proper watering and mulch to help it resist pest damage.

Horse chestnut: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your horse chestnut and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I use systemic pesticides?: Systemic pesticides are generally discouraged for large trees due to the risk to pollinators. Stick to cultural controls.
Will the tree recover next year?: Yes, the tree will grow a fresh set of leaves in the spring. The pests do not usually cause permanent damage.

Guides to these causes

Scale Insects

What is eating my horse chestnut leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your horse chestnut?