Never use any spray unless you know what your spraying. Without a pic there can only be guesses. My guess is aphids and if it is, then a spray of water will take care of them.

tj

I would guess aphids as well, but without a picture there is no way to be sure. My Japanese maples were loaded with aphids this year, but within a few weeks the natural predators kicked in and now the aphids are almost entirely gone. Aphid infestations tend to occur at times of weather changes, i.e. when it starts to get warmer in the spring. Give it a couple of weeks and see what happens unless the infestation is really heavy. Is there a clear sticky substance on the leaves and on things underneath the tree? This would make an aphid infestation even more likely. Hope this helps.

-Brett

Just realized last evening that my 50 year old (spectacular) tree has these very small black worms? all over the leaves. Today, I see that the leaves are filled with holes!! I presume this means that they are being eaten by the worms! What is this? Does anyone know?

sandamor...
My guess is tent caterpillars or gypsy moth caterpillars.

I don't think there's much to be done NOW. Once you've ID'd the culprit you can research how to prevent them next year. If your tree is 50 years old it should be able to weather the storm...and will probably put out additional foliage.

melanie