Knowledgebase
Salvia leaf destruction #878024
Asked July 20, 2024, 1:15 PM EDT
El Paso County Colorado
Expert Response
The 110454 picture has a couple of issues. Grasshopper damage - but did you spray the plant to get rid of the grasshoppers? Because I see a white powder film. If not, it be possibly powdery mildew.
The 1104019 picture is possibly from leaf cutter bees. This is normal and we want to keep our bees happy!
The 110352 picture is grasshopper damage.
I hope you find this information helpful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further question.
Stacy S
Colorado Master Gardener Apprentice
Thanks so much! I didn't realize how destructive grasshoppers can be and I didn't notice the damage until too late. Now I'm noticing the grasshoppers around the plants and mulch.
We've also experienced some bark damage this year to our back yard fruit trees. Could grasshoppers be the culprits?
Also, our back yard cherry had minimal leaves and almost nonexistent fruit this year.
And finally, my Mom wanted me to ask if you know what this plant is. Behind the plant is euonymous and spirea, be the green one showed up a couple of years ago.
Is it OK I ask this many questions?
I'm sending some of the pics in another email because the size is too big.
Thanks so much! I didn't realize how destructive grasshoppers can be and I didn't notice the damage until too late. Now I'm noticing the grasshoppers around the plants and mulch.
We've also experienced some bark damage this year to our back yard fruit trees. Could grasshoppers be the culprits?
Also, our back yard cherry had minimal leaves and almost nonexistent fruit this year.
And finally, my Mom wanted me to ask if you know what this plant is. Behind the plant is euonymous and spirea, be the green one showed up a couple of years ago.
Is it OK I ask this many questions?
I'm sending some of the pics in another email because the size is too big.
Good Morning Julee,
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension with additional questions. Yes, we welcome multiple questions. The bark splitting on your fruit trees looks like it was caused by sunscald which can happen during the winter. I am sending a fact sheet about this type of damage.
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2111-sunscald-trees/
Your cherry tree had minimal leaves this year and no fruit. I have looked at your picture which shows your tree growing on a slope with a rock area close to the tree with bricks above the tree. I see some yellow leaves which can be caused by drought or a root problem. If there is landscape fabric near the tree's rooting area it should be removed. I see a hose but it is uncertain if the tree is receiving additional water. It is hard to see a root flare, if there is no root flare the tree can be planted too deeply which can cause girdling roots. I am sending Environmental Disorders of Woody Plants and additional information.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/healthy-roots-and-healthy-trees-2-926/
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/659.pdf
https://arapahoe.extension.colostate.edu/2024/03/02/landscape-fabric-yea-or-nay/
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/59/2020/03/Tree-Fruit-Basics.pdf
If you would like an arborist to come look at your trees, you can visit the Trees Are Good site.
In order to ID the unknown plant, we would need additional pictures which show the base of the plant and how it is branched. Has the plant produced any flowers or fruits? This plant may be a lilac.
Regards,
Barbara S.
El Paso County Colorado Master Gardener
