The orange striped oakworm,Anisota senatoria(J. E. Smith), has caused widespread defoliation of urban oak (Quercus) species in southeastern Virginia. The hypothesis that consecutive years of late-season defoliation byA. senatoriawould cause a significant reduction inQuercusgrowth and vigor was tested from 1987 to 1990. LateseasonA. senatoriadefoliation had a significant impact onQuercusgrowth and vigor. Pin oak,Q. palustris(Muenchhausen), and willow oak,Q. phellosL., planted in fabric containers, had significant reduction in growth with increased defoliation. Starch content and tree vigor inQ. palustris, planted in the urban landscape, was significantly reduced with increased defoliation, and some tree mortality occurred.Quercus phelloswas a hardier species compared withQ. palustrisand was not significantly affected by consecutive late-season defoliation. In addition, data suggested thatQ. palustriswas affected more byA. senatorialate-season defoliation when trees were planted in stressed urban sites. These data have important implications forA. senatoriamanagement strategies. High populations that have the potential to cause 100% late-season defoliation during consecutive years should be controlled to prevent progressive decline in tree health.