Should I use pesticides?

Usually, manual removal is enough for Chokecherry. Pesticides can harm beneficial insects that help control the caterpillar population.

Will my tree die from this?

Rarely. Most established trees will grow a new set of leaves later in the season after the caterpillars finish feeding.

Chokecherry: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the branch crotches for silken webs.
Look for groups of caterpillars feeding on the foliage.
Check if the damage is localized to one or two branches.

Likely causes

Eastern Tent Caterpillars
Most likely
How to tell: You will see silken webs in the branch forks and groups of fuzzy caterpillars feeding on leaves.
What to do: Prune out the small nests early in the morning when the caterpillars are inside. Dispose of the webs in a sealed bag in the trash. Do not burn the nests while they are still in the tree.
Fall Webworms
Possible
How to tell: These caterpillars build large webs over the ends of branches later in the summer. They enclose leaves inside the web rather than just using it as a home base.
What to do: Use a long pole pruner to remove the webbed branch tips. If the tree is small, you can simply pull the webs apart with a stick to expose the larvae to birds.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chokecherry

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

It is serious if the caterpillars cover more than 25 percent of the tree canopy. A healthy, established tree can usually handle some defoliation without dying.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your tree healthy with proper watering and pruning to reduce stress. Remove any egg masses you see on twigs during the winter months.

Chokecherry: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chokecherry 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

Should I use pesticides?: Usually, manual removal is enough for Chokecherry. Pesticides can harm beneficial insects that help control the caterpillar population.
Will my tree die from this?: Rarely. Most established trees will grow a new set of leaves later in the season after the caterpillars finish feeding.

Guides to these causes

Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Why are there silken nests in my Chokecherry?