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What's eating my maple leaves? #596456

Asked September 13, 2019, 10:10 AM EDT

The maple trees in my yard are being eaten.  They have spots on them and some are skeletonized.  Any ideas what this may be and what I can do for my trees so I do not lose them?  Also, is it anything that could be harmful to me or my dog?
Thank you. 

Oceana County Michigan

Expert Response

Without seeing the insect itself, I will not be able to give you a definitive answer. There are lots of things that will create that kind of damage to maple trees. One of the photos shows damage from leaf miners (blotch mines) which you probably don't need to worry about. Also, I would not worry about the spots on the leaves. The skeletonization and leaf rolls in the other photos could be the work of tussock moth caterpillars (Orgyia spp.). They are quite common in your area this year and they feed on a wide variety of plants including Maple. The tree can probably also tolerate the damage from these caterpillars. Most well established trees can tolerate a great deal of defoliation as long as it is not for more than two years in a row and they are not stressed by other factors. If you can find a caterpillar and send a photo, I may be able to provide you with more information.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 16, 2019, 1:38 PM EDT

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