Predation by grazers

I appreciate that a normal infestation of tent caterpillars will cause no long term harm to this mature Willow (back)

But our apple tree that has become biennial bearing in its old age, needs all the leaves it can muster to bring this heavy crop to maturity

Therefore I cut out all caterpillar tents, before any real damage is done.

The same goes for our Blackcurrant bushes,

 

Mulberry tree

 

 which also has to contend with grazing deer

 

and one of our Philadelphus.

 

Having collected all the nests I dispose of them with my flame weeder.

 Betula nigra

Cercis canadensis

Prunus cultivars

are other trees that are suseptable to tent caterpillars here at Stonewell Farm.