linear holes between leaf veins in recently planted Princeton Elm - Ask Extension
Hello, we planted a new Princeton Elm with a 3 inch trunk about 4 weeks ago. It looked very healthy on planting. Over the past week I am noticing h...
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linear holes between leaf veins in recently planted Princeton Elm #868994
Asked May 18, 2024, 10:10 AM EDT
Hello, we planted a new Princeton Elm with a 3 inch trunk about 4 weeks ago. It looked very healthy on planting. Over the past week I am noticing holes developing in the leaves. Many of these holes are linear between the veins of the leaf. I have examined the tree closely and I see no beetles, larvae, or egg clusters on the leaves. Overall, the tree still seems healthy and the leaves are still green. My "google" research suggests the most common culprit would be the elm leaf beetle--but these leaf holes seem more "linear" than the photos of elm leaf beetle damage. thanks for your help.
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
From your description and the photos you sent, I suspect your tree may have elm tree weevils. Here is a link to a publication about this insect pest:
Holey Elms | BYGL (osu.edu)
Note that damage from these insects, although unsightly, rarely threatens the overall health of the tree. Thus control is generally considered unwarranted and could actually cause more damage as natural predators of the weevils may be destroyed. Clean up and discard any dropped leaves now and in the Fall.
Holey Elms | BYGL (osu.edu)
Note that damage from these insects, although unsightly, rarely threatens the overall health of the tree. Thus control is generally considered unwarranted and could actually cause more damage as natural predators of the weevils may be destroyed. Clean up and discard any dropped leaves now and in the Fall.
