Apple scab causes heavy leaf drop on susceptible crabapple varieties. Heavily defoliated trees survive, but are unattractive. Apple scab can be prevented by several applications of fungicides in the spring. Hopa', 'Radiant', 'Royalty', and 'Vanguard' are very susceptible to apple scab and are not recommended for the home landscape. Resistant varieties include 'Adams', 'Donald Wyman', 'Prairifire', 'Profusion', 'Snowdrift', 'Sugar Tyme', and others.
Some insect problems can also be a avoided by careful plant selection.
Since 1981, many honeysuckles have been damaged by honeysuckle witches-broom aphid. The aphids feed on the tips of new growth and suck sap from the leaves. As the aphids feed, they inject a toxin which leads to a proliferation of small, weak side shoots or witches-broom at the stem tips. These types should be avoided in the home landscape. Aphid-resistant honeysuckle varieties, such as 'Freedom', 'Honey Rose', and 'Arnold's Red' are better choices.