From a distance, the leaves on most trees in your yard will look green and healthy. When you look more closely, however, you might notice some unsightly bumps on these leaves and wonder whether your tree has a terrible disease or a pest infestation. Before you panic, know that bumps on tree leaves are fairly common.
Here’s more about why bumps can appear on leaves and when to do something about it, as shared by Brandenberger Tree Care Professionals, Garrett’s ultimate tree services.
The Most Common Reason for Bumps on Tree Leaves
When you discover bumps on tree leaves, they are most likely to be galls. Usually, galls form when beneficial insects or mites lay eggs inside the leaf tissue to provide food and shelter for their developing young. Viruses, fungi, and bacteria can also form galls on leaves.
In most cases, galls are completely harmless to your tree, as they are cosmetic. These bumps support insects that are critical to supporting plant health. For example, some of these insects eat harmful pests.
Common galls also include maple bladder galls, which are tiny red or black bumps that form when mites feed on abnormal leaf growth on maple trees. Maple spindle galls are another common mite-related growth. Other varieties, like the oak apple gall, are larger and a sign of a wasp infestation.
When Are Tree Growths a Cause for Concern?
Bumps on tree leaves aren’t typically a reason for concern. The exception is when these galls grow on twigs or branches. A significant infestation on wood can mean big trouble for the tree, as these galls may kill the branches or cause them to droop or break off.
If you notice excessive growths on the branches, the best solution is to remove the branch by pruning it. This proactive approach will destroy the galls before the larvae inside have a chance to develop.
Dealing With Galls on Your Trees
If there isn’t any apparent insect damage or other effects on the tree, you can just live with the infestation, knowing that your tree is providing a home for beneficial insects. If it bothers you, why not use natural methods to control the issue in future years? For example:
- Take care of the tree with regular watering and fertilizing.
- Rake up and remove fallen leaves in the fall to deter pests that make their homes in the leaf litter.
If the infestation is more widespread, or you see insect damage from aphids or leaf miners, you may need to look into a chemical treatment. Be cautious; chemicals may do more harm than good.
Ask Your Local Tree Service To Investigate the Issue
If you find bumps on tree leaves in the Garrett, Indiana, area, you can also get in touch with Brandenberger Tree Care Professionals. Call (260) 308-5593 and our tree professionals will check out the galls, suggest treatment, and answer all your tree-related questions, like “Do I need a permit to remove trees?”
