YUCK! help me save my sumac! - Ask Extension
making my rounds watering, i noticed my sumac "trees" (only about 2-3' tall) are practically skeletonized. upon a closer look, i nearly thre...
Knowledgebase
YUCK! help me save my sumac! #847722
Asked August 29, 2023, 12:33 AM EDT
making my rounds watering, i noticed my sumac "trees" (only about 2-3' tall) are practically skeletonized. upon a closer look, i nearly threw up! what is going on!?!? this happened last year, and when spring arrived i thought for sure i'd be digging the sumac up because they looked dead. but they just had a slow & late start, and eventually really took off. i was horrified to see this again--one of the best features of sumac is their vibrant fall color! am i able to permanently eradicate this disgusting thing? help!!!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
I see a sumac flea beetle and larvae in your third photo. These beetles feed on the leaves, causing the damage shown. Control includes removal of the larvae and beetles. Grubs overwinter in ground so removal of the leaf debris is important. In the spring watch leaves for larvae and dispose. Below are a few links with information about these insects.
http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/sumac_flea_beetle.html
https://fmr.org/naturenotes/unassuming-little-beetles-shield-defense
https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/ornamental-pest-guide/arthopods/leaf-beetles-weevils/sumac-flea-beetle
http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/sumac_flea_beetle.html
https://fmr.org/naturenotes/unassuming-little-beetles-shield-defense
https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/ornamental-pest-guide/arthopods/leaf-beetles-weevils/sumac-flea-beetle
thank you!
the location of these sumac trees happens to be in an area that's probably 3-4" deep with mulch--do you think i should dig all the mulch out around both of them, as wide as the the leaves extend out (i.e., the drip line), and then even dig some of the soil out? or maybe wait until spring to do that, right after the snow melts, so i can get everything? add diatomaceous earth? this started last year at approximately the same time, but there were far more of them & they were more destructive this year. i fear it'll only get worse and may ultimately kill the trees. they are practically bare now, and i sent my inquiry only 2-3 days ago. it's a disgusting problem!!!
thanks again for your assistance!
♡h.
I would recommend just removing any plant debris from the ground under your tree. There is not a need to remove mulch or soil around the tree. At this time of the year remove any beetles you see. Monitor leaves, in the spring, for larvae, and remove.
