Symptoms
Holes in Leaves
Leaves with holes, ragged edges, or chewed sections may point to insect feeding, disease, or other damage. Learn what to look for and when it is worth scheduling a professional evaluation.
ISA Certified Arborists
Trained, credentialed experts
Southeast Michigan
Specialists who know local trees
Dedicated Tree Specialists
Not a lawn care add-on
Professional Consultations
Custom care plan, no pressure
On this page
What is it?
Signs & symptoms
What causes it
Trees affected
When to act
How we help
Prevention tips
FAQs
Spotted these symptoms?
An ISA Certified Arborist can confirm what's going on with your tree.
or call 248.378.1111
Overview
What Leaf Spots May Mean
Leaf spots are a common symptom on many trees and shrubs in Michigan landscapes. Small spots, blotches, or lesions on foliage may look minor at first, but they can point to fungal disease, bacterial issues, insect activity, or environmental stress.
Some spotting is mostly cosmetic. In other cases, it may lead to premature leaf drop, repeated stress, and reduced vigor over time if the issue is left unaddressed.
When you'll see it in Michigan
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Overview
Common Signs & Symptoms
Check each one you're seeing on your tree — your match strength updates below.
Root Cause
Possible Causes
Holes in leaves can be caused by more than one issue. Common possibilities include:
- Chewing insects such as beetles, caterpillars, or other leaf-feeding pests
- Bagworms or other pests on ornamentals and evergreens
- Leaf diseases that cause dead tissue to drop out
- Weather-related tearing or mechanical damage
- Animal feeding in some landscape settings
- Excessive wetness
- Poor air circulation
Because the pattern of damage matters, it helps to look at which plant is affected, what time of year it is, and whether active feeding is still happening.
Plants at Risk
Trees & Shrubs Commonly Affected
Leaf-feeding damage can appear on ornamentals, deciduous trees, shrubs, and even certain evergreens. Crabapples, maples, viburnums, roses, boxwoods, and other landscape plants may show holes or ragged foliage depending on the pest or disease involved.
Ornamental
Red Flags
When to Be Concerned
Small amounts of leaf damage are not always a major threat, but it is smart to take a closer look when:
- Damage is spreading quickly
- A large percentage of foliage is affected
- You can see active insect feeding
- The same plant is damaged year after year
- The leaf damage is paired with browning, thinning, or canopy decline
- A high-value ornamental or privacy planting is involved
Our Approach
How My Arborist helps
My Arborist evaluates the type of plant, the pattern of damage, the timing, and any visible signs of pests or disease. From there, our ISA Certified Arborists can recommend the most appropriate next step, whether that involves monitoring, insect treatment, disease management, or broader care recommendations to reduce stress on the plant.
Stay Ahead
Prevention & Monitoring Tips
Monitor plants early in the growing season
Address insect activity before it becomes widespread
Keep trees and shrubs healthy so they can better tolerate stress
Watch for recurring damage patterns from year to year
Avoid assuming every hole is caused by the same pest
Schedule an evaluation when you are unsure what is feeding on the plant
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes holes in leaves on trees and shrubs?
Holes in leaves are often caused by leaf-feeding insects, disease, weather damage, and other stress factors can also create similar symptoms.
Are holes in leaves always a serious problem?
Not always. Some damage is mostly cosmetic, while other cases may point to active pest pressure or a larger health issue. The amount of damage and how quickly it is spreading both matter.
How do I know if insects are causing the problem?
Look for chewing patterns, active feeding, visible insects, or recurring seasonal damage. A professional evaluation can help confirm what is responsible.
Can damaged leaves recover?
Existing holes will not fill back in, but healthy new growth may still be possible once the underlying issue is addressed.
Keep Exploring
Other symptoms
Brown Leaves
First visible signs of stress
Leaf Spots
Mild issue, sign of recurring disease
Branch Dieback
Thinning canopy sections
CONSULTATION
Not sure what is causing holes in the leaves?
If you are seeing chewed or damaged foliage, My Arborist can help identify the cause and recommend the best next step for your trees and shrubs.
ISA Certified Arborists
Each visit is handled by credentialed professionals
No-Pressure Consultation
Professional assessment, custom plan, honest recommendations
Serving SE Michigan
Plymouth, Northville, Birmingham, Novi & more
Contact us below
or give us a call at 248-378-1111