Many species of leafhoppers infest ornamental trees and shrubs. Some leafhoppers cause only minor damage to the leaves, while other species severely retard plant growth. Leafhoppers usually spend the winter as eggs in bark slits made by the females, although some may overwinter in the South and migrate north in the spring. Injury to the bark from egg laying may kill twigs. When the weather warms in the spring, the young leafhoppers emerge and settle on the undersides of the leaves, where they suck out the plant sap, causing the stippling and distortion. Severely infested leaves often drop in midsummer. Some leafhoppers cause a condition known as hopperburn. Insect feeding causes distortion, and gives the leaves a burned appearance. There may be several generations of leafhoppers each year. For more information about leafhoppers, see Leafhoppers.
Spray with an insecticide containing acephate, diazinon, or malathion when damage is first noticed. Cover the lower surfaces of the leaves thoroughly. Make sure your plant is listed on the product label.
