Maple Trees Losing Their Leaves

Kalamazoo, Mich.- Are your maple trees dropping their leaves? Are those leaves still green?

Residents have begun to notice leaves falling from their maple trees and the leaves are still green. Upon closer observation, the leaves have about half of the stem (petiole) still attached. . This leaf drop is caused by tiny larvae called Maple Petiole Borers.

These borers are feeding inside the leaf stem, weakening it and causing it to break off and fall to the ground. There is only one generation of this insect each year in Michigan and the problem usually only lasts two to three weeks. Maple trees have a very dense canopy and most trees can sustain this leaf loss without causing harm to the tree.

No chemical treatment is recommended for Maple Petiole Borers. The actual borer remains in the portion of the petiole that is still attached to the tree where it is vulnerable to predators. There are many natural predators that help keep this pest in check. It is recommended that homeowners clear the leaves by either raking or mulching while mowing the lawn.

For more information about MSU Extension Horticulture programs, call Linda Whitlock, Consumer Horticulture Coordinator at the Kalamazoo County MSU Extension office, (269) 383-8815, or visit our web site at www.kalcounty.com/msue

To obtain more information about Consumer Horticulture issues and the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, call Linda Whitlock, Consumer Horticulture Educator at the Kalamazoo County MSU Extension Office at (269) 383-8815 or email her at whitlo13@msu.edu .

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MSU Extension is an Affirmative-Action Equal-Opportunity Institution. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.

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