Fringe tree insect infestation - Ask Extension
My American Fringe tree has an insect infestation and I am wondering if you know what it is and if I should treat it or leave it alone.
Knowledgebase
Fringe tree insect infestation #875901
Asked July 04, 2024, 8:08 AM EDT
My American Fringe tree has an insect infestation and I am wondering if you know what it is and if I should treat it or leave it alone.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
American Fringetree is a good, tough native plant with few problems and none are serious. (There is some discussion that emerald ash borer can affect them but there is no research on that)
How old/large is the tree and how much of the tree is affected? If you would like to share a photo of the whole tree you can attach it directly to this reply.
What you are seeing on the leaf looks caterpillar or perhaps webworm related, but that would be o.k.. Native plants feed native insects and perfect looking leaves is not expected.
No insecticide is recommended or necessary.
The best thing you can do for the tree now, especially if it is young and not fully established yet is to offer it a good, slow, deep drink of water since it has been so hot and dry.
Christine
How old/large is the tree and how much of the tree is affected? If you would like to share a photo of the whole tree you can attach it directly to this reply.
What you are seeing on the leaf looks caterpillar or perhaps webworm related, but that would be o.k.. Native plants feed native insects and perfect looking leaves is not expected.
No insecticide is recommended or necessary.
The best thing you can do for the tree now, especially if it is young and not fully established yet is to offer it a good, slow, deep drink of water since it has been so hot and dry.
Christine
