Question: My sycamore’s leaves have turned straw color. Help!

Answer: Look closely at the backs of the leaves. You’ll probably find small black, waxy balls, proof that lace bugs have visited the plant. They won’t kill the tree, and you won’t be able to get those leaves to green back up. In future years, however, you can protect the tree by applying a general-purpose systemic insecticide as the tan discoloration just starts to appear.