Question
Live Oak-infected stem
Starts on surface of leaves as a small scale-like brown spot with two darker brown holes in the surface of the spot (looks like a face). Spot can also be seen from underside of leaf but no holes visible from the underside. The leaf then distorts, curling inward around the location of this spot. The leaf then turns completely brown and brittle. Then other nonspotted leaves on same twig turn brown--then entire canopy turns brown within about one month of first sign of spots.
AnswerHi Teresa:
These areas look like insect activity, the holes may represent exit holes for an insect that may have hatched within the larger spot. If the tree is well established in the landscape, the foliar insects usually don't have a significant impact in overall health. If you are concerned, consider collecting a few affected leaves and showing them to your local nursery/garden center for an ID. Be sure to rake up any fallen leaves during the winter since some insects may overwinter in those fallen leaves.
Regards
Steve
Regards
Steve
