Tan leaf with top and bottom intact, but no tissue in between top and bottom: Insect.Upper and lower leaf tissue removed, leaving just veins: Insects.Small holes in the middle of leaves or edges chewed, and edges of hole are leaf-colored: Insects.Here is a quick look at some common problems. These are the kinds of answers that Michigan State University Extension horticulture educators and Master Gardener hotline staffs give every day.
Damage low to the ground can be any animal, and damage from insects and animals can occur overnight or during the day. Animal damage above 3 feet high is often deer, but woodchucks can climb to eat leaves or fruit. An insect cannot consume entire leaves, veins and midrib included, but they can feed on plants at all heights. It is impossible for an animal to eat small holes in leaves or to just strip tissue away. When looking at plant damage, think of the size of the animal. Having a ten-power hand lens or magnifying glass can help you see more of what is really going on.
It is important to realize that animal repellants will not repel insects. The two divisions of pests for this article are vertebrates, such as deer, rabbits, woodchucks and chipmunks, and some kind of insect. If a gardener isn’t sure what pest is causing foliage, flowers or entire plants to go missing, time and effort can go into the wrong solution and the plant material keeps disappearing.
