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Sugar Maple Tree #872959

Asked June 13, 2024, 1:09 PM EDT

Problem is leaves constantly coming down. Have trimmed some branches and find what appears to be greenish inchworms and leaves with whitish shots. Have used an organic oil solution to treat the problem with no results.

Ingham County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Timothy
Without pictures it is hard to say. Leaf drop this time of year could be maple petiole borer. Compare the leaf stems with these pictures. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/maple_petiole_borer_causing_leaf_drop_in_maple_trees

The green caterpillars could be cankerworms or something else. Are you seeing leaves with holes, or leaves with sections eaten away?

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/spring-and-fall-cankerworms

Please take pictures of  the dropping leaves and of thhe worms and their damage. The focus must be clear, the pictures well lighted. Whole worms in good condition can be frozen and dumped out for photographing if they are moving too much. 
Place specimens on smooth plain paper - do not use paper towels, because their texture fools the camera focus.
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