Knowledgebase
Holes in my weeping red bud tree...new this spring #940631
Asked July 27, 2026, 10:14 AM EDT
Livingston County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Kathleen, thanks for using Ask Extension.
Based on your description, this is most likely not a fungal disease. Fungal leaf problems on redbud always produce visible symptoms such as spots, discoloration, or dead tissue, and you noted that none of that is present. Holes without any spotting or necrotic margins are most often caused by early-season insect feeding that occurs when the leaves are young. The insects are usually gone by the time the damage becomes noticeable. This type of injury is cosmetic and does not require treatment.
If you could send a well-focused picture of a leaf with holes, we could give a more accurate assessment. If that is not possible, describe the hole (shape, size, location, etc.) that could help.
I look forward to your reply.
On Jul 27, 2026, at 12:30 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
Begin forwarded message:From: Kathleen MartzSubject: Re: Holes in my weeping red bud tree...new this spring (#0210546)Date: July 27, 2026 at 12:50:51 PM EDTTo: Ask ExtensionI just went out to take a picture and found a leaf with discoloration, like small brown cells, Here are the photos I just took.On Jul 27, 2026, at 12:30 PM, Ask Extension wrote:Dear Kathleen, here's the response to your question:
Hi Kathleen, thanks for using Ask Extension.
Based on your description, this is most likely not a fungal disease. Fungal leaf problems on redbud always produce visible symptoms such as spots, discoloration, or dead tissue, and you noted that none of that is present. Holes without any spotting or necrotic margins are most often caused by early-season insect feeding that occurs when the leaves are young. The insects are usually gone by the time the damage becomes noticeable. This type of injury is cosmetic and does not require treatment.
If you could send a well-focused picture of a leaf with holes, we could give a more accurate assessment. If that is not possible, describe the hole (shape, size, location, etc.) that could help.
I look forward to your reply.
Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email.
Click here to view #0210546
We hope this response has sufficiently answered your questions. If not, please do not send another email. Instead, reply to this email or login to your account for a complete archive of all your support requests and responses.
Hi Kathleen,
What you’re seeing on the redbud is a mix of recent environmental stress and a little early‑season chewing. The tan, papery patches in the center of the leaves are a form of physiological scorch. Redbud tends to show scorch in the middle of the leaf rather than at the edges because of how its leaves are shaped and how they handle heat. During the recent stretch of high temperatures and wildfire smoke in Livingston County, the leaves weren’t able to cool themselves normally, so the center tissue overheated and collapsed. The veins stay green because they move water better and resist heat damage.
The small round holes are older feeding from early‑season caterpillars when the leaves were still tiny. As the leaves expanded, those small bites stretched into smooth circles. That type of chewing is minor and doesn’t harm the tree.
There’s nothing here that requires treatment now. The tree should grow out of it as conditions settle. Normal watering during dry spells is all that’s needed.
If you want to keep an eye on things next season, fresh beetle feeding usually shows up overnight as new ragged holes, while caterpillar feeding happens very early when leaves are still small. Anything new will look bright, green‑edged, and unhealed. If you see fresh damage, feel free to reach out and we can help confirm it.
Check out the following links:
Caterpillars on ornamental plants | UMN Extension
Beetles on Ornamental Plants [fact sheet] | Extension
Leaf Scorch | The Morton Arboretum
I hope this is helpful.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 28, 2026, at 10:45 AM, Ask Extension wrote:
