Grasshoppers Attacking Mountain Ash Leaves - Ask Extension
I have a two-year-old Mountain Ash that has been thriving. I water it monthly, and have been giving it additional water during this hot, dry spell. Â...
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Grasshoppers Attacking Mountain Ash Leaves #880341
Asked August 05, 2024, 11:21 PM EDT
I have a two-year-old Mountain Ash that has been thriving. I water it monthly, and have been giving it additional water during this hot, dry spell.  While I was watering it this past SAT 08/03 and SUN 08/04 I noticed the healthy condition of the leaves and bark. I looked at the Mountain Ash today, Monday 08/05 late afternoon, and I believe that grasshoppers have begun eating the Mountain Ash leaves! How do I stop this? Will they kill the tree? Grasshoppers have devoured our sedum (see attached image), grasses, xeriscape, green beans, basil, oregano. Please help me save this tree. Thanks in advance for your help.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Denise,
Thanks for your question. Fortunately, we are nearing the end of the gardening season, so defoliation at this point is unlikely to affect the overall health of your tree (and other plants, with the exception of the annuals). The tree had a couple good months to photosynthesize and store carbohydrates for next year. This isn't a good thing if it happens year-after-year, but one season shouldn't cause long-term harm.
Going forward, keep the tree healthy and stress free. Keep watering as you're able - a couple times a month in the summer and at least once a month from November to March. Add mulch at the base. Hope for the best. It's been a doozy of a season!
Thanks for your question. Fortunately, we are nearing the end of the gardening season, so defoliation at this point is unlikely to affect the overall health of your tree (and other plants, with the exception of the annuals). The tree had a couple good months to photosynthesize and store carbohydrates for next year. This isn't a good thing if it happens year-after-year, but one season shouldn't cause long-term harm.
Going forward, keep the tree healthy and stress free. Keep watering as you're able - a couple times a month in the summer and at least once a month from November to March. Add mulch at the base. Hope for the best. It's been a doozy of a season!
