Your tree has disgusting looking things on it. Acorn sized, golf ball sized-who cares what size. They’re gross. What are they? Will they kill the tree? What should you do?

Well, insect galls are the result of chemicals that insects inject into plants that cause the plant cells to be modified to form the growth instead of a pretty bit of bark or a smooth leaf back. Insect larvae climb inside and grow up in the protection of the gall and then emerge, usually mature, to feed on the poor plant, as if the disfiguring growths weren’t enough damage. Galls rarely kill trees, but they certainly don’t improve their appearance.

Your local extension office can help you identify the type of insect making galls on your tree and can give you tips on controlling the insects so they don’t make more galls. Usually, you will have to remove the galls by hand to get rid of them, which is time consuming and sometimes downright impossible.

2 Responses to “Galls or What is That Gross Thing on My Tree?”