Thanks for your question.

It is always disappointing when this happens. I have been on the receiving end of insect infestation many times.

The good news is that the larvae feed exclusively upon species of Viburnum. Unless you have other Viburnum in your garden, no other plants should be impacted. See:

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/viburnum-leaf-beetle/

Whether your Viburnum will recover will depend upon various things:

1). How severe the infestation was. There are reports in the literature that even with 50% or more defoliation, certain varieties of Viburnum recover.

2). The variety and species of Viburnum you have. Some varieties/species are rather resistant to defoliation and recover quickly. Other varieties are more susceptible and may not recover.

3). The overall state of health that exists for your Viburnum. For example, if it had been heat stressed during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, then it may not recover very quickly.

See the following for information on these and related points:

https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/viburnum-leaf-beetle/ - :~:text=Highly susceptible species of viburnum,to three years following infestation.

https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=12438

https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-39

https://www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/viburnum-beetle

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/keep_your_eyes_open_for_the_viburnum_leaf_beetles

Given the information at these sites, I believe the best answer at this point to your question is the future of your Viburnum cannot be accurately predicted. You have two broad choices:

1). Remove your existing Viburnum and dispose of it. This removal would include all leaves, plant debris, roots, etc. Then plant a new Viburnum that is resistant to the larvae of this beetle. This replacement tree should be at a different site from where your current Viburnum is.

2). Keep your current Viburnum. Maintain a regular and frequent watering pattern. Do NOT add any fertilizer as this would cause further stress to the plant through encouragement of vegetative growth. Monitor it closely for the remainder of the 2024 season to see if new leaves and/or new leaf buds appear. If there are signs of recovery, consider fertilizing it in early September.  Keep watering it well this fall until the ground freezes.

I learned long ago in my gardening experiences that deliberate decisions are better than hasty ones. If I was in your position, I would opt for my second choice, keep my fingers crossed, and see how things look a year or so from now. By that time you will be able to assess the overall state of health for the plant. If it is completely dead, then replacement would be in order.

Good luck. Please get back to us with any further, related questions. Thanks for consulting us.

Good choice.  If future problems or questions develop, feel free to get back to us.