Vine Weevil

[parkgate]

We have just planted a 20 ft strip of hedge using cherry laurel trees purchased in 35 L pots.

 

The approximate height of each tree is 2.25 m, but the landscape Gardener who did the planting has warned us that the roots contain Vine Weevil larvae, and has advised they need to be treated with an appropriate Vine Weevil killer.

 

We purchased “Bug Clear Ultra Vine Weevil Killer” but have since researched the subject and note on the RHS website that “this product cannot be used to treat edible plants or ornamental plants growing in the ground” but should be used for plants growing in containers only - so we intend to return it.

 

The supplier of the trees has advised us to purchase nematodes, but reading the literature on this, it is apparent they have to be introduced into the soil when it is relatively warm certainly above 5 degrees the ground is certainly too cold at the moment.

 

A picture of one of the larvae is attached.

 

Advice on how to deal with this problem would be appreciated.

[richyrich]

Dig them up and put back in the containers? 

[parkgate]

Thank You.

 

It took nearly a day to plant them - and I had to pay the gardener - I would then have to pay him to dig them up - i.e. another day and then a further day to plant the replacements.

 

Is there a cheaper solution?

 

Regards,

 

[dumper]

I would fertilise, water well and leave alone vine weevil mainly a pest of containers 

shouldn’t see any damage to plants Chuck some nematodes on in the spring when weather warms 

I would be tempted to get the stock supplier to provide the nematodes

[tree79]

once the  temperature warms try nematodes, namasys worked well for me

[parkgate]

Dumper,

 

Thank You for your sensible suggestion.Much appreciated.

 

We intend to act in your advice - and I will ask the tree supplier to pay for the nematodes - we are fertilising with Miracle Grow.

 

Regards