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Leaves on tree beingveaten #874612

Asked June 25, 2024, 11:28 AM EDT

Most of the leaves on the tree have evidence that something is eating the leaves. Will this damage the tree? Should it be treated?

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing and for the picture.
This could be thrips https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/forest_health/fid/july-2022.html
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/linden/leavesdeformed.html
Many other pests attack the basswood but I think you would see these. https://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/treepestguide/basswood.html
Few kill the tree, even tree with heavy damage come back the following year.
I suggest that you have an arborist assess the tree to ID the pest.
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 25, 2024, 12:33 PM EDT

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