Ever spotted a weird, lumpy growth on a tree and thought “What is that thing?”. The first time I saw one, I was convinced my oak had decided to grow a second head.
Turns out, those quirky bumps are called tree galls – little botanical wonders that are as fascinating as they are weird-looking. Most of the time, they’re harmless, but should they stay or go?
Here’s a quick look at what they are and whether they need your attention.
Gall-ifornia Dreamin’: What Are These Things Anyway?
Tree galls are like the tree’s version of a pimple that are caused by bugs, fungi, or other microscopic mischief-makers.
These tiny invaders convince the tree to create a cozy, nutrient-filled home for them. Insects, like wasps or mites, are often the culprits. They’re basically like tiny architects convincing trees to build them a mansion.
The variety is wild – some galls look like smooth marbles, others like alien blobs. My personal favorite is the oak apple gall. It’s about as apple-like as a basketball, but hey, nature’s got jokes.
To Prune Or Not To Prune: Is This A Big Deal?
Here’s the good news: most tree galls are harmless. Unless your tree is absolutely covered in them or looking stressed, galls are more of a cosmetic issue.
I learned this the hard way after spending an afternoon hacking away at what I thought were harmful growths – only to realize I’d done more harm to my flowering tree than the galls ever could.
If your tree is young, stressed, or losing a ton of leaves, it might be worth considering some careful pruning. But for mature trees, galls are not as dangerous as they look.
Gall-ow Me To Give You Some Removal Tips
If you’re set on removing galls, here’s what I’ve learned (and sometimes learned the hard way): prune thoughtfully.
Use sterilized tools and make clean cuts about 8 inches below the gall. Toss the removed bits far away – nobody wants those bugs setting up shop somewhere else.
Pro tip: avoid overdoing it with insecticides. It’s tempting, but trust me, your tree (and the environment) will thank you for keeping the sprays to a minimum.
Most insecticides don’t stop gall formation anyway – in fact, they just stress the tree more.
Sometimes, It’s Best To Let Galls Be
At the end of the day, most galls are just harmless quirks of nature. They’re like the odd cousin at a family reunion – unusual but not really hurting anyone. Plus, they provide a little habitat for critters, which is a win for biodiversity.
Unless the galls are causing serious damage, I say embrace the weirdness. They’re a reminder that trees, like people, have their quirks. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good tree with a little character?