Ash. Leaves dropping, browned, distorted, black insectsblack bugs - Ask Extension
My ash trees are losing a large amount of leaves with distorted, browned , damaged leaves. I have seen black insects with light green legs folded over...
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Ash. Leaves dropping, browned, distorted, black insectsblack bugs #871480
Asked June 04, 2024, 10:20 AM EDT
My ash trees are losing a large amount of leaves with distorted, browned , damaged leaves. I have seen black insects with light green legs folded over leaves with eggs that had worms emerging. Looking for a diagnosis and a treatment please.
Beltrami County Minnesota
Expert Response
There could be several things going on. The black insect could be ash plant bugs:
https://extension.umn.edu/tree-and-shrub-insects/ash-plant-bugs
Usually no treatment is necessary, but insecticidal soap can be effective on the larvae.
The white things might be ash leaf curl aphids:
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/aphids
Again, insecticidal soap.
The spots might be a fungal infection, or could be caused by the ash plant bug feeding.
Given that several things are going on, and that you have more than one ash tree, I'd recommend having a certified arborist assess your trees:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
https://extension.umn.edu/tree-and-shrub-insects/ash-plant-bugs
Usually no treatment is necessary, but insecticidal soap can be effective on the larvae.
The white things might be ash leaf curl aphids:
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/aphids
Again, insecticidal soap.
The spots might be a fungal infection, or could be caused by the ash plant bug feeding.
Given that several things are going on, and that you have more than one ash tree, I'd recommend having a certified arborist assess your trees:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
