What's Causing 'Fall Color' on Pasco Trees?

If you've started noticing Pasco trees coloring up with fall color, think again. It may actually be a small insect that is causing tree leaves to turn brown.

Lace bugs particularly like sycamore trees. They feed on the underside of leaves through the spring and summer with their hypodermic-like mouthpart, draining one cell at a time. By late summer, insect populations have taken their toll on trees with brown leaves and an early leaf drop.

Most of the time, established trees can weather this attack. Only occasionally when there are other stressors (drought, construction impacts, etc.) will a tree suffer longer-term impacts. In fact, it isn't typically worthwhile to chemically treat for lace bugs as the trees are tall, the bugs are small and they hide under leaves.  This makes it difficult for chemicals to come in contact with the feeding insects.

Next time you pass a tree, such as a sycamore, that appears to be showing early fall color, look more closely for lace bugs feasting on tree leaves. If you need more information about tree problems, contact Pasco Extension at pasco.ifas.ufl.edu.