Which of the following statements is true with respect to tree pests?

Late-season leaf-eating insects indeed have the potential to cause extensive damage to deciduous trees. This is primarily because these pests can defoliate trees when they feed on the leaves during a critical period of growth. If trees lose too much foliage late in the season, their ability to photosynthesize is severely affected, which can lead to reduced vigor and overall health going into the next growing season. Additionally, trees rely on their leaves to store energy for dormancy, and extensive damage can hinder their survival and growth.

In contrast, early spring sap-sucking insects, while they can be damaging, often do not cause the same level of extensive harm as late-season pests because deciduous trees are in the process of leafing out and may have more resilience. The notion that all tree pests only attack young bark is misleading, as many pests can affect various parts of the tree, including leaves, branches, and the roots. Moreover, root systems can be significantly impacted by certain pests, contradicting the claim that tree pests do not affect root systems at all. Therefore, the assertion regarding late-season leaf-eating insects aligns with the realities of tree pest management and their implications for tree health.