Thank you!
Many different types of pest would be interesting. Initially I will focus on the box tree moth which have four distinct stages: moth, egg, larvae and pupae. There is also a cocoon stage during winter, but this will not be covered in the game.
I agree the uprooting mechanics might be unnecessary. My idea was that only healthy plants can be uprooted. Plants attacked by pests would be unhealty and not possible to uproot.