Thank you, but the leaves are not that shiny!

Thanks. I'll cut open the 'berry' tonight and get back to you. Actually, I don't think it's the weather because we've gotten a lot of rain this summer...much more than last summer and the tree didn't look bad last summer? Does anyone know if stinkbugs can do this to a tree?

If you want to pamper your tree, mulch it (if it's not already mulched) or extend the mulched area out a little (if it's in a smaller mulched area). Mulch -improves soil fertility and texture as it breaks down, -prevents germination of many weed seeds, -reduces competition for food and water from grass and weeds, -reduces erosion, -helps to maintain soil moisture during dry periods, -often aids drainage by preventing surface crusting and sealing, -can keep roots cooler during hot summer weather, -can help to moderate soil temperature fluctuations, -reduces frost-heaving, -reduces certain soil-borne diseases by preventing soil and fungi from splashing onto foliage, -prevents damage from mowers and trimmers, -and improves the look of the landscape.

I've not had any problems with the spikes injuring any of our dogs (past and present), but they sure can mess up Hosta leaves when they fall (for whatever reason). We got rid of most of our poplar trees due to their size, but kept 3 or 4 in the very back of our lot. They did less damage than the marauding deer the last two years though. GRRR! Four less poplars, two maples, two beeches, and a big sour wood.