sick tree

Question: I want to know if you can tell me what is wrong with this tree and if I can do anything to help it get better? It's losing its leaves prematurely, starting a few weeks ago. They appear to have some kind of an insect in the leaves and that may be what's causing the problem. What do you suggest?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 15, 2024, 10:08 PM EDT
response: Hello,  Several factors, including diseases, environmental stress, and insect pests, can cause premature leaf loss in maple trees. Based on the information you’ve provided, it seems likely that insect infestation is contributing to the problem. Here are a few steps you can take to address the issue:  Identify the Pest: It’s important to correctly identify the insect causing the damage. Common pests of maple trees include the maple petiole borer and various types of aphids. More information at these links:  Maple Diseases & Insect Pests | Home & Garden Information Center (clemson.edu)  Common Insect Pests of Maple (uky.edu) Maple petiole borer | UMN Extension  The maple petiole borer, for instance, is a small insect that tunnels into the leaf petioles, causing leaves to drop prematurely. More information at this link:  Maple petiole borer causing leaf drop in maple trees - MSU Extension  Cultural Control: Improving the overall health of your tree can make it less susceptible to pests. Ensure your maple tree is well-watered, especially during dry periods. Mulching and proper fertilization can also help maintain tree vigor.  Mechanical Control: If the infestation is not severe, you might be able to manage the pest population by physically removing the affected leaves or insects.  Chemical Control: If the infestation is severe, you may need insecticides. It is crucial to choose a product that is effective against the specific pest you’re dealing with. Always follow the label instructions carefully to avoid harming the tree or beneficial insects.  Professional Help: If unsure about pest identification or the best action, consider consulting with a local arborist or the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab. The lab can help identify the pest.  Remember, it’s essential to correctly identify the pest before applying any treatment. Incorrect identification can lead to ineffective control measures and further stress on the tree.   I recommend you do one of two options before you do any chemical control.  OPTION 1:  For a confirmed and precise identification of the problem, I recommend you email all your images to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab. The experts there can also provide you with the best treatment options.  Their email is <personal data hidden>.  Please include your name. The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent. FYI, the lab may also ask for additional images.   Their website is at this link:   Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  Their Contact Information is at this link:  Contact Us - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  This link will explain the details of submitting a sample to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab:  Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  OPTION 2:  You can consult a local certified arborist for a more detailed onsite assessment and personalized advice. To find a certified arborist in your Zip Code, go to this link:   Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)  I hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 17, 2024, 8:35 AM EDT
response: Thank you. This was extremely helpful.On Thu, Aug 15, 2024 at 10:08 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: