Crab apple tree losing leaves

Question: Hello, I have a crabapple tree which I purchased to pollinate my McIntosh tree. As late summer, early fall approaches I have noticed the crabapple tree has been losing leaves from the top down and they seem to be disappearing in a strange pattern as if they are being eaten or diseased. I have attached a picture of the tree which you will see has to leaves at the top. I have also attached pictures showing that if the leaves which remain, many have speckled holes, some of which to the extent that only part of the leaf remains.

responder: Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension.Danielle Albano Education Center Volunteer Program ManagerUNH Cooperative Extension Education Center Replied September 05, 2024, 11:49 AM EDT
response: Hi Keagen,Thank you for reaching out to us at the UNH Extension Infoline regarding your crabapple tree. It definitely does look like there may be some sort of insect related damage happening to the leaves, but it is tricky for us to be able to ID one specific culprit here. Please be on the lookout for any potential pests on leaves!Since we are now moving into the fall season, the apple tree currently does have significantly more leaves than needed and they all will eventually fall off before winter. It's not as dire to ID the one specific insect with the end of season approaching, but do try to remain observant just in case you do find additional clues!If these leaves didn't have the odd/leaf chew marks, I would have also shared apple scab information with you. This is a common disease where leaves will prematurely fall off the fruit tree.Additional resources:https://extension.unh.edu/resource/apple-scab-fact-sheethttps://www.canr.msu.edu/news/why_is_my_crabapple_tree_losing_leaves#:~:text=Heavy%20disease%20pressure%20leads%20to,apple%20scab%20(Venturai%20inaequalis).https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-05-12-your-crabapple-losing-leaves-apple-scab-may-be-blamehttps://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/apple-crabapple-insects/https://extension.psu.edu/crabapple-diseasesIf you find any further insect clues or additional plant illness symptoms and really would submit samples, here are our two diagnostic/ID labs:Here is the link for the UNH Plant Diagnostic Lab homepage, which has the address to send the sample to, as well as information on best practices for submitting a plant sample and other resources: Plant Diagnostic Lab HomepageAnd here is the link to the submission form to submit a plant diagnostic sample: UNH Plant Diagnostic LabHere is the link for the UNH Insect & Other Arthropods Identification Lab: https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/pest-disease-growing-tools/insect-other-arthropods-identificationI hope this information gets you in the right direction. Please reach out if you have any further questions!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 2:52 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for the info! Do you have any suggestions for a blanket solution to the insects? Such as a spray, netting, etc? Again, thank you.  On Thu, Sep 5, 2024, 11:49 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension.Danielle Albano Education Center Volunteer Program ManagerUNH Cooperative Extension Education Center Replied September 06, 2024, 11:06 AM EDT
response: Hi Keagen,You're very welcome! It's unfortunately very tricky to say that there's one blanket solution when we do not know for sure what type of insect(s) may be causing this damage and/or if there are other factors to consider. I would recommend having an arborist visit your property in person if you'd like to have the tree/local environment further assessed: https://www.nharborists.org/nhaa-list-of-certified-arborists/. You can also wait until next year to see if these symptoms reappear again! I apologize for not having a more black & white solution, I just do not want to misspeak and share any incorrect information here!Have a fantastic weekend! It's going to be beautiful out!