Apple pests (forum)

Zoe starts with ...
Hi,
I have a couple of dwarf apples planted out earlier this year. They've been going great but this week I noticed that one of them has very rapidly been chewed up - maybe a quarter of the leaf growth is gone. Some of the bark and buds have been chewed too - you can see this to left of pic. I live in Lismore NSW. What would have done this and what should I do now? I can't see any insects on plant at all.
Thanks!
Zoe
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 23rd November 2017 7:20am

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About the Author Zoe
East Lismore
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Fruitylicious1 says...
Might be a goat, deer or roos. Caterpillars and other small insects cannot eat the bark and stems that quick.

Time: 25th November 2017 10:35pm

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Original Post was last edited: 26th November 2017 1:14pm

About the Author Fruitylicious1
TAMWORTH,2340,NSW
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Zoe says...
Thanks for that fruitylicious.

That makes sense, and I'm wondering if a bigger mammal could have got at it somehow. The thing is that we're in the burbs and there aren't many around. Mind you I do remember visiting distant family in Sydney once and being surprised to see 3 sheep trotting gaily down their street towards a main road.

I've noticed a few little ants on it - is there any chance ants could have done it? It might have happened a bit slower and I just didn't notice. Otherwise maybe a wallaby did come for an unusual nighttime foray, or a possum maybe. It doesn't seem to have gotten worse, and so far my other trees are fine.

Thanks,
ZOe

Time: 27th November 2017 8:02am

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About the Author Zoe
East Lismore
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Fruitylicious1 says...
Unless the ants are of the leafcutter species who are known to decimate a whole tree if left unchecked. You can easily spot them because the workers are always carrying leaves on their way to their nest. It may even be a humongous moth caterpillar who did the damage and hid somewhere and spun its cocoon after the huge feast. Suspicions mmm...Anyway check your plants regularly so you can easily identify any out of the ordinary circumstance in your garden.
Happy gardening always :-)

Time: 28th November 2017 9:56pm

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About the Author Fruitylicious1
TAMWORTH,2340,NSW
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phil@tyalgum says...
Leafcutter bees are also around at this time of year. They cut a crescent shaped piece out of multiple leaves to line their nests, leaving a scalloped appearance.

Time: 29th November 2017 11:28am

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About the Author TyalgumPhil
Murwillumbah
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Zoe says...
Thank you both for your replies :):)
There's been no more damage so I'm just keeping an eye on it. Am hoping whatever it was has gone..

Time: 3rd December 2017 7:27am

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About the Author Zoe
East Lismore
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