Maple Petiole Borer

Leaf Drop on Sugar Maple

The leaf-shedding handiwork of the Maple Petiole Borer (Caulocampus acericaulis, family Tenthredinidae) is becoming evident in southwest Ohio. This non-native sawfly was introduced into the United States from Europe. Although the sawfly prefers sugar maples (Acer saccharum), other maples may occasionally be infested.
Published on
Authors
Joe Boggs

Annual Maple Leaf-Drop

Finding large numbers of green leaves littering the ground beneath maple trees wouldn't be a surprise given the recent high winds and heavy rains over much of Ohio. However, you should take a second look at this time of the year for short petioles on the shed leaves and broken petioles remaining attached to the tree. Both are tell-tale symptoms of the maple petiole borer.
Published on
Authors
Joe Boggs