A pic would help.
This time of year many of the hosta leaves start drying and looking ratty. Could be previous damage just showing up, the course of the season or something else all together. It's hard to say without a pic...

thanks for reply. here's a pic of one of the hosta. the other one looks even worse. http://i58.tinypic.com/2962jgl.jpg

ah, no direct pic. let's try this again, lol

Ouch. I'm no nematode expert, but that don't look good. Sorry to see that.

Don B.

Sorry Andi, I'm no expert either but when I see that I think Nemtodes. At the very least I would cut off the affected leaves.

Barb

I had plants like that last year, spraying Bayer Advanced Insect Killer cleared them up, except one leaf or so. I just got Bio Safe, will use that too. You must fight it. Cleanliness in going from hosta to hosta is also required against any virus, not only against nematodes.
Bernd

Question? Would you destroy a hosta if you saw slug damage or damage from cutworms? Nematodes are not a disease but a "bug" infestation. Treat them with Biosafe this Fall and again this Spring at the pip stage. This will probably clear up 99% of the problem. Most old established gardens have nematodes and the only problem would be if you give plants away. You should give the recipient fair warning that there may be nematodes.