This is on one of my mother’s maples. What is it and what should she do about it?

  • LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    Hi, arborist here. I would advise against using pesticides to control this issue. The galls are completely harmless to the tree and the pesticides may cause harm both to you if you were accidentally exposed, and definitely to other invertebrates, many of which may be beneficial. Some may even help control the mites in future years.

    • Flying Squid@mander.xyzOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      Thanks. I think what my mother will do is just pick off the affected leaves that are really bad and leave the rest.

      • LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        Great, that’s basically what I’d recommend. Disposing of any leaves you pull off the tree and those on the ground away from the tree should help reduce the intensity of the issue.