Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - April 08, 2009
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Symmetrical Holes in Live Oak leaves.
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
We have 2 young live oaks - quercus virginianum trees and their brand new leaves show two symmetrical rows of pin-sized holes punctured along the length of them. What could have caused this?ANSWER:
A technical point: since you're in Austin, Texas, the species of live oak in your landscape is probably Quercus fusiformis (plateau oak).
The symmetrical holes in the leaves are made by insects just as the leaves are emerging and before they unfold. Billbugs, plantbugs and caterpillars are all known to cause the type of damage you're seeing, though not necessarily on oaks. If only a few leaves are involved, there's no need to worry. If a large percentage of the leaves on your trees are damaged, we recommend contacting a certified arborist for positive identification and control of the pest.
More Trees Questions
Sudden death of one side of Mountain Laurel from Canyon Lake TX
July 22, 2013 - Hello! We live in Canyon Lake TX and have a Mountain Laurel that is in distress. It is planted in an irrigated flower bed and has been happily growing for 5 years. It is about 5' tall and has sever...
view the full question and answer
Location of pine trees for a wedding site in Grapevine TX
April 30, 2014 - Okay, I know this is a long shot. My daughter is getting married in Grapevine, October 18 at sunrise. She REALLY wants to have the ceremony near pine trees. Any suggestions for locations in Grapevine ...
view the full question and answer
Privacy screen for pool from Southlake TX
April 21, 2012 - I have a row of 7 live oaks that help block my neighbors two story house. Unfortunately, there is a gap between each tree of about 8 feet wide and 15 feet tall (from ground to the first branches/ leav...
view the full question and answer
Are hollies toxic?
December 18, 2008 - Can I use holly from my landscaping to decorate food at Christmas?
view the full question and answer
Tree near a patio in Tennessee
January 02, 2009 - What type of tree would you plant near a patio (new home and yard) that gets afternoon sun? Thanks
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |