Oak Galls: Strange Growths and What to Do About Them
If you’ve got oak trees on your property, you may have noticed peculiar bumps, lumps, or fuzzy spots on the leaves, twigs, or even acorns. These are oak galls, and while they may look alarming, they’re usually more unsightly than harmful. Let’s dive into what causes them and what you can do as a homeowner.
What are Oak Galls?
Galls are abnormal growths created by the oak tree in response to tiny insects such as wasps, months, aphids, etc. These critters lay eggs or feed on the tree, triggering the plant to form a protective (and sometimes quite bizarre-looking!) structure around them. Think of it as the tree’s way of isolating a problem. In Texas they are mainly caused by the Mealy oak gall wasp. These galls have a unique hard round woody shape. The “oak apple gall” is one of the most common and recognizable varieties.
Are Oak Galls Harmful to Trees?
In most cases, oak galls are primarily an aesthetic problem. While they may cause some leaves to drop prematurely, they won’t seriously damage a healthy, established tree. However, twig galls can be more concerning, sometimes causing branches to die back or even killing younger trees. Galls can become a structural problem over time because the areas affected will become weak and break.
Managing Oak Galls
Here’s what you can do to minimize oak galls:
- Rake and Destroy Fallen Leaves: Many gall-forming insects overwinter in leaf litter. Raking and getting rid of fallen leaves disrupts their life cycle.
- Prune Twig Galls: If you see twig galls, prune them out before the insects inside can emerge.
- Maintain Tree Health: A strong, healthy tree is more resistant to pests and diseases, including gall-makers.
- Know When to Call the Professionals: While chemical control is often impractical, especially for large trees, a tree care expert can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action if the gall infestation is severe.
Advanced Tree & Shrub Care, Inc.: Your Tree Health Partners
At Advanced Tree & Shrub Care, Inc., we understand the importance of keeping your oaks beautiful and thriving. If you’re concerned about oak galls or any other tree health issue, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have treatment options available. Our certified arborists can evaluate your trees, provide tailored advice, and offer treatment solutions when needed.
Let us help you keep your trees looking their best!