EN
ES
Ficus hedges are everywhere in South Florida — they grow fast, stay green and give homes privacy. But since the ficus whitefly arrived in Miami-Dade, it has become one of the most common reasons a healthy hedge suddenly thins out.
The good news: caught early and treated correctly, most hedges recover and fill back in. Here’s what to look for.
1. Yellowing Leaves and Heavy Leaf Drop
The first thing most homeowners notice is leaves turning yellow and falling — sometimes a lot of them at once. A hedge can go from full to see-through in a matter of weeks when an infestation is heavy.
2. Tiny White Insects Under the Leaves
Turn a few leaves over. Adult whiteflies are tiny, white and flutter up in a small cloud when the hedge is disturbed. You may also see small, flat, oval nymphs and eggs on the undersides of the leaves.
3. Bare Branches From the Inside Out
Damage often starts in the interior and lower parts of the hedge. If you can see more branches than leaves when you look into the hedge, the infestation has likely been there a while.
Why Spraying the Leaves Isn’t Enough
Whiteflies live and feed on the undersides of leaves, and new generations hatch constantly in our warm climate. Store-bought sprays that only hit the outside of the hedge usually miss most of the population.
Effective control typically combines a targeted treatment applied by a licensed professional with follow-up visits to catch new generations — plus proper fertilization so the hedge has the strength to push out new growth.
How to Help Your Hedge Recover
- Don’t over-prune a stressed hedge. Let it recover after treatment before shaping it again.
- Bag and dispose of clippings from infested hedges instead of leaving them on the ground.
- Water consistently — early morning is best — so the plant isn’t stressed by drought.
- Fertilize to support new leaves once the infestation is under control.
- Check under the leaves every few weeks, especially during the warmer months.
What to Do If You Spot Any of These Signs
The sooner whiteflies are treated, the faster your hedge fills back in. At Low Cost Services Inc., our Whiteflies Treatment and Ornamentals Spray & Fertilization services are built for South Florida landscapes — we identify the infestation, treat it at the source and help your plants recover. Family-owned and serving South Florida since 1983.
Is your hedge losing leaves? Call us at +1 305-498-8280 or request a free estimate online.
Need a hand?
Is your hedge losing leaves?
Call +1 305-498-8280 for a free estimate, or use our contact form.
