Question:
Japanese beetles are defoliating my linden tree. Will they kill it?Answer:
Japanese beetles feed on more than 300 different plants. However, lindens are one of their favorites. Defoliation of well established, healthy lindens (and other trees) is usually not fatal. Defoliation is most harmful to recently planted trees (those planted in the last two to three years) and trees in poor health.
The foliage of recently planted and high-value trees can be protected with a soil-drench application of a systemic insecticide. Some systemic insecticides, such as imidacloprid, are toxic to bees and other pollinators and should not be applied to a tree like linden that can attract many pollinators when in bloom. Other products, such as chlorantraniliprole, are less toxic to bees and other insects, but must be applied by a certified tree care specialist. To be effective, treatments must be made several weeks ahead of beetle emergence.