Remove young tent caterpillars and their webs by hand. Look especially on favorite hosts such as apple, crabapple and cherry. Some insecticides can also be applied. Inspect honeylocust for early pod gall midge and plant bug damage. New leaflets appear red and swollen from pod gall midge.
Plant bug feeding on new growth causes new leaflets to be distorted or fall off.
Severe infestations may require insecticide treatment. Plant a trap crop of radishes in late April to reduce infestations of cabbage root maggot, which causes brown tunneling through roots. May Prune cherry and peach at bloom to help minimize Cytospora canker, a common disease problem affecting branches and trunks of these trees. Avoid crowding plants when planting. Better air circulation between plants helps leaves dry faster and reduces severity of many foliar diseases that are promoted by long wet periods.