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Our very large and beautiful American Linden is dropping healthy green leaves. The leaves look as though they were hand picked. Have you any thoughts ...
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V #874759
Asked June 26, 2024, 9:45 AM EDT
Our very large and beautiful American Linden is dropping healthy green leaves. The leaves look as though they were hand picked. Have you any thoughts for this?
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Gary,
It is a little hard to diagnose your issue from your description, but here are some things you can look for:
The most common symptom in broad-leaved trees is leaf fall in summer with some interveinal discoloration of the leaves. There usually is little marginal leaf scorching, since this indicates possible drought stress.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/environmental-disorders-of-woody-plants-2-932/
Examine the soil for excess 'over watering' or 'drought'.
Common insect issues with Linden's generally do not cause the "hand picked"/random leaf drop you mentioned in your description. However, it would be good to examine some of the dropped leaves for insect damage.
Here is some general information on Lindens:
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1734-linden-trees/
This time of year, you more likely will notice aphid damage. Generally, they do not hurt the tree, but may result in sticky foliage which attract ants, and other insects.
If the above information does not lead you to a conclusion, please feel free to reach back out. If you do, please also include a photo of the whole tree, some photos of the dropped leaves (both the top side and bottom side) and some of the tree closer up and of some of the leaf clusters.
It is a little hard to diagnose your issue from your description, but here are some things you can look for:
The most common symptom in broad-leaved trees is leaf fall in summer with some interveinal discoloration of the leaves. There usually is little marginal leaf scorching, since this indicates possible drought stress.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/environmental-disorders-of-woody-plants-2-932/
Examine the soil for excess 'over watering' or 'drought'.
Common insect issues with Linden's generally do not cause the "hand picked"/random leaf drop you mentioned in your description. However, it would be good to examine some of the dropped leaves for insect damage.
Here is some general information on Lindens:
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1734-linden-trees/
This time of year, you more likely will notice aphid damage. Generally, they do not hurt the tree, but may result in sticky foliage which attract ants, and other insects.
If the above information does not lead you to a conclusion, please feel free to reach back out. If you do, please also include a photo of the whole tree, some photos of the dropped leaves (both the top side and bottom side) and some of the tree closer up and of some of the leaf clusters.
