Eastern Redbud Insect Control - Ask Extension
I have three 8-10 tall redbud trees. The leaves are getting speckled yellow spots. The trees were infested last year with small fruit flies that eat c...
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Eastern Redbud Insect Control #869927
Asked May 24, 2024, 12:04 PM EDT
I have three 8-10 tall redbud trees. The leaves are getting speckled yellow spots. The trees were infested last year with small fruit flies that eat chlorophyll between the small veins. Leaves were very yellow by end of summer with some green left on outer edges. What do you recommend? Should I spray with insecticide? If so, is there an environmentally friendly insecticide I can use? And how often should I spray the trees? Or is there a safe insecticide I can apply on the soil around root system of the trees?
Please email reply to:
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Thank you,
Steve Koshiol
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Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
I really cannot diagnose the leaf problems on your Redbuds with the information you gave me. It could have been a disease. a reaction to the weather and/or drought conditions or, possibly, insects. You could apply a spray of horticultural oil which would help against insects and fungal diseases. Otherwise, if the leaves again start to show problems this year, take photos and get back to us with new postings. https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/redbud/#plant-care