Identification
Cutworms are dull brownish, smoothed-skinned caterpillars with various markings. They curl into a C-shape when disturbed. Various species may damage apples or pears. They are commonly active at night.
Damage
Cutworms can climb into trees and destroy blossom clusters and new leaves. Foliage damaged in summer has a holey, tattered or stripped appearance; damage is most severe in foliage around the trunk or where the cover crop has grown into the tree.
Solutions
Generally, problems occur only where tall weeds are growing near tree trunks. Remove vegetation around the base of trees and use mulch.
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