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Sick tree #872448

Asked June 10, 2024, 3:05 PM EDT

A tree in our yard started displaying black sports on leaves, leaves that appear to be deforming, some leaves are falling off tree. Photos attached. Can you advise what disease may be damaging the tree. Is a treatment available to remedy the problem? Thank you very much.

Wright County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.
My guess is a capsid bug. https://thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Content/C/Capsid%20bug/Capsid%20Bug.htm which can cause both the destruction and puckering.
The identity needs to be confirmed though.
Try putting a half dozen leaves in a jar and see if any insects develop over the next week. 
Alternatively, submit a sample to the Plant Disease Clinic at the U of Minn.  https://pdc.umn.edu/
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear.  This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied June 10, 2024, 4:35 PM EDT
Thank you very much. 

Is the capsid bug interested in a non-fruit-bearing tree?  The tree blooms but isn’t fruit bearing.  

Also, will the tree die if not treated?

Vicki H


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On Jun 10, 2024, at 3:35 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2024, 8:56 PM EDT
The capsid can attack non-fruit bearing trees. https://www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/capsid-bugs

It rarely kills the tree.
However the diagnosis cannot be confirmed by a photograph. 
The plant disease clinic, listed above, can help you.  
Alternatively, an arborist can confirm the diagnosis and treatment. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear.  This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied June 11, 2024, 3:03 PM EDT
Thank you for providing your valuable superior knowledge. Deeply grateful. 

I’ve reported all to the Board Members at our homeowner association, the management company and the lawn and garden entity.  

Vicki Hagerty



Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 11, 2024, at 2:03 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 11, 2024, 3:21 PM EDT

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