Owen Tree Services - Resources
Leafminers
Leafminers are insects that develop and live within the leaves of plants. The leaves are injured by the insect feeding on the interior of the leaf so that all that remains is a brown, thin layer of epidermal tissue. Even though leafminers destroy the leaf they inhabit, usually the percentage of leaves destroyed is small. However, large infestations, reoccurring over several years will begin to stress the plant.
In the case of Birch trees, leafminers can be serious insect pest because a weakened Birch is vulnerable to the Bronze Birch Borer. Boxwood leafminer doesn't put as much stress on the plant, but it does affect the appearance of the shrub.
Many different insects are leafminers, including certain flies, wasps, moths, and beetles. The immature (larval) stage of these insects produces the distinctive mines within the leaf tissue. Adults lay their eggs on the leaves or insert them under the leaf surface. For some leafminers the pupae stage also takes place within the leaf. More commonly, the insect larva, after it completes it's feeding, cuts a hole in the mined leaf and drops to the ground to pupate.
HOW TO CONTROL LEAFMINER INSECTS
Leafminer insects on ornamental trees or shrubs are controlled best with products that are carried systemically throughout the plant. This method of treatment provides control even when the insect is protected within the plant leaves. Leafminer control can be obtained with soil injections in the fall or early spring or foliar treatments can be applied soon after the leaves start developing. Light colored kidney shaped mines are the signs that leafminer hatch has taken place.
Deep-root fertilization will help affected plants recover from the damage caused by leafminers.

Photo: Ferenc Lakatos, University of West-Hungary, Bugwood.org

Photo: Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Rick Stomps
Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Value
Owen Tree Service did an outstanding job. The crew trimmed up the treeline and removed several. Did a great job of cleanup too. Extremely professional, informative, helpful & friendly. Thanks so much to the great crew - Ron, Skip, Tim & Doug ... you were incredible. Thanks so much. I'll tell folks about you! (BTW - the guys deserve a few extra $$)
Tim Nyquist
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The folks at Owen Tree Service took such good care of my family. We had a massive tree fall on our house and cars, completely upending our lives, and Dave Kidd, Kay Sicheneder, and their whole crew working on it not only did a great job evaluating and removing, but also spent a good deal of time chatting with us, consoling us, offering advice, and generally putting our minds at ease. I sincerely appreciated everything they did for us and would highly recommend them if you’re looking for a good tree service. I can’t thank them enough.
Tonia Burns
Responsiveness, Professionalism
Called about having a 17ft tree placed in our yard. Received a call back from Trish you was incredibly gracious with her time and information. Unfortunately, trees that are over 6ft can't be planted by them. However, Trish gave me more than enough info to be confident about having a tree of that sized planted. I'd definitely call and use them for any other future services.
Tyler Smith
I have used Owen for over 10 years. They take care of my Apple tree, shrubs, lawn irrigation and weed/fertilizer. I have always found them to be price competitive, thoughtful and timely. 5 stars from me!
Linda Janiszewski
Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
We are very happy with the work they did. We had a large birch tree trimmed that had power lines on each side. There were 4 workers and they worked well together as a team to get the job done. They cleaned up the yard around the tree and did a professional job. They also asked us if we liked it before they left. We would highly recommend Owen Tree Service!
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