Maple Tree Shedding Leaves - Ask Extension
I live in Brownstown, Michigan and have 2 Maple Trees that are shedding their leaves. The leaves are failing off in bundles between 2 and 8 leaves. ...
Knowledgebase
Maple Tree Shedding Leaves #835283
Asked June 12, 2023, 5:31 PM EDT
I live in Brownstown, Michigan and have 2 Maple Trees that are shedding their leaves. The leaves are failing off in bundles between 2 and 8 leaves. Some of the fallen leaves are fresh with no apparent drying or stain or insects/larvae, while others bunches are dried and brown.
These falling leaves have occurred for the past 3 years, primarily in the early summer months of May thru early July.
Refer to attached photos.
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Mark,
This looks like an insect we call "twig pruner" for obvious reasons. If you pick up a fallen bunch of leaves, closely examine the end that was severed from the branch. If it's twig pruner, you'll find a nice clean cut (that was done over time by the larval insect) with just a touch of bark extended on all sides. That's characteristic of twig pruner. You can read more about it at the link below:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/fallen_oak_branches_signal_the_work_of_the_twig_pruner
Despite the mess, we don't recommend chemical treatment for this issue as it will subside after a few years (which should be soon for you).
Thank you,
-Julie
This looks like an insect we call "twig pruner" for obvious reasons. If you pick up a fallen bunch of leaves, closely examine the end that was severed from the branch. If it's twig pruner, you'll find a nice clean cut (that was done over time by the larval insect) with just a touch of bark extended on all sides. That's characteristic of twig pruner. You can read more about it at the link below:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/fallen_oak_branches_signal_the_work_of_the_twig_pruner
Despite the mess, we don't recommend chemical treatment for this issue as it will subside after a few years (which should be soon for you).
Thank you,
-Julie
