Poplar Weevil Damage: Identification and Management

If your poplar tree’s leaves are riddled with holes, the culprit is likely the poplar weevil, a small snout beetle that feeds on poplar and sassafras foliage. Populations fluctuate wildly year to year; heavy infestations may appear only once a decade.

What You Can Do

Because poplars are large trees, spraying is impractical. Fortunately, natural predators and weather usually keep the weevil in check. The damage looks alarming but rarely causes permanent harm to the tree.