Question
I have a ficus tree that is about 6 feet tall and has been very healthy.  Recently I noticed some new shriveled leaves that are foleden in much like a pea.  They are discolored with some yellowing and if I didn't know about the ficus you might think this is a new leaf and it hasn't opened or bloomed yet - but I know that is not how the ficus grows.  At first I thought something was sprayed on it but upon closer examination I see some little black bugs in the folded creases of some of the leave.  This ficus has been in the same pot for probably 6-7 years.  I think I have caught the problem early but need to know - is this a bug that is causing this? Is this something else I need to be concerned with? - The only other thing to add - I think recently my daughter fed our herbs with herb food and she watered the ficus with the remaining water left.  Could that have caused this problem?  I would really like to figure out what I can do to treat the tree and not lose it.

Answer
Leslie:
It would be helpful to get an ID on the insect that you found. Some critters can cause leaves to roll up.  You can collect some of these insects on the leaves and carry to your garden center or your local county Extension office for an ID and what to do about them.  If there are only a few affected leaves, just remove them and discard.

Steve