Laburnum Leafminer

Laburnum leafminer larvae tunnel within the leaf tissue of golden chain trees, creating pale, blotchy mines that widen as larvae feed and grow. The damage appears as irregular, winding tunnels visible on the leaf surface, initially appearing as thin lines that expand into larger papery areas. Affected leaves may yellow and drop prematurely if mining is heavy. You identify the problem by the characteristic mining patterns.

Remove and destroy heavily mined leaves during summer to reduce overwintering populations. For valuable specimens, apply horticultural oil in late winter to target pupae. Once mining damage appears, spinosad or neem oil applied to leaf undersides targets young larvae; repeat every 7 to 10 days. Maintain plant vigor through appropriate cultural care.