Those silky tents wrapped around branch tips on pecans, walnuts, cherries, and persimmons across Culpeper this time of year are the work of the fall webworm.
Unlike eastern tent caterpillars, which nest in branch crotches in spring, fall webworms build their webs at the ends of branches in late summer and fall. The caterpillars feed on leaves inside the web, and heavy infestations can leave a tree looking badly defoliated.
Healthy, established trees almost always recover, since the damage comes late in the season after the leaves have done most of their work. Pruning out reachable nests or breaking them open for birds is often enough, and broad spraying is rarely necessary.
C&J's arborists pay closer attention to young or already stressed trees, where defoliation year after year can add up. A quick assessment sorts out whether a tree needs help or just patience, and most Culpeper homeowners are relieved to learn it's the latter.
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A close-up photo of a fall webworm tent at a branch tip on a local hardwood. If no job photo is available, a clear, well-lit shot of a webworm nest on a Virginia tree works for this educational post.
Canva text suggestion: "Fall Webworms Look Worse Than They Are" or "Webs on Your Trees? Here's What to Know"