Aspen Tree Issue - Ask Extension
I am trying to figure out what is going on with my aspen tree. It is probably over 30 years old and I have noticed curling in the leaves. I can see ...
Knowledgebase
Aspen Tree Issue #870090
Asked May 25, 2024, 6:26 PM EDT
I am trying to figure out what is going on with my aspen tree. It is probably over 30 years old and I have noticed curling in the leaves. I can see some rust on the trunk (see picture) and some bugs on the leaves. So a few questions:
1. Can you identify what are those insects?
2. Is it rust that I am seeing on the trunk?
3. Path forward (besides removing it)?
Thanks,
Rosa Seda
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
This appears to be an ash tree (not aspen). The orange on the bark is most likely to be a lichen and not harmful. They accumulate on the outer bark over time and do not infect the tree.
The leaf curl could be the work of the ash leaf curl aphid which is common. https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/hosts-pests-landscape-plants/ash-fraxinus-aphid
The photos of insects on your leaves are not quite clear enough to enable good identification. They do not appear to be aphids, but might be a predatory insect attracted by the aphids. For identification purposes, it is best to collect specimens and get high quality close up photos or submit specimens to the OSU Plant Clinic. You can also contact your local Master Gardeners for help with this and for further consultation on your tree's issues. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/metro
In general, various insect leaf problems are common on ash and they often do little long term harm, but they are unsightly. There are insecticide treatments you could consider to improve appearance, but that involves pesticide applications and risk of harm to beneficial insects.
The leaf curl could be the work of the ash leaf curl aphid which is common. https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/hosts-pests-landscape-plants/ash-fraxinus-aphid
The photos of insects on your leaves are not quite clear enough to enable good identification. They do not appear to be aphids, but might be a predatory insect attracted by the aphids. For identification purposes, it is best to collect specimens and get high quality close up photos or submit specimens to the OSU Plant Clinic. You can also contact your local Master Gardeners for help with this and for further consultation on your tree's issues. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/metro
In general, various insect leaf problems are common on ash and they often do little long term harm, but they are unsightly. There are insecticide treatments you could consider to improve appearance, but that involves pesticide applications and risk of harm to beneficial insects.
