Tree Insects

Holes in elm and zelkova leaves are eaten by 1/4 inch long elm leaf beetle adults and 1/2 inch long larvae.

Aphids are small green insects that suck plant juices from almost all plants at one time or another.

Larvae or grubs feed on the roots of Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, and other grasses. Adults are brown beetles with metallic green heads that emerge mid-June and feed on more than 275 plant species.

There are multiple bark beetles that may cause damage to needled evergreen trees.

Corky swollen or unusual growths on tree leaves or branches can be caused by mites, bacteria, fungi, or other insects. They are unsightly but not life-threatening.

Lace bugs hide on the underside of leaves of mostly azalea, Pieris, and rhododendron evergreen shrubs.

Regular inspections of your garden and plants will catch most scale problems before they get out of hand.

You won't see these small black weevils unless you go out with a light at nighttime. They cause classic notching damage on the edges of leaves.

Sawfly damage is done by larvae that resemble caterpillars. These insects feed in groups and can be found chewing the leaves of a variety of plants including roses, dogwoods, hibiscus, columbine, birch, and pines.

Needled evergreens are the preferred host of bagworms but don't be surprised to see the bags on the branches of shade trees.