It’s always a good idea to inspect your tree’s leaves every once in a while. While they might look okay from afar, they could tell a different story up close. For instance, they might have tiny bumps or growths on their surface.
What are the bumps on tree leaves? Are they harmless, or will you need to consult arborists who offer professional tree services in Pottstown, PA? Read on as we answer these and more questions.
What Are the Bumps on Your Tree’s Leaves, and Why Are They There?
If you have abnormal bumps or growths on the surface of your tree’s leaves, they are more likely to be tree leaf galls. These bumps can vary in shape, often resembling egg-shaped blisters that start green and turn darker as they age.
While it’s easy to mistake them for a fungal infection, they actually form as a reaction to common pests and insects feeding, similar to how your skin responds after an insect bite.
What Should You Do About Them?
Now that you know the causes of bumps on tree leaves, the next step is knowing what to do about them. The good news is that while they can affect your leaves’ appearance, they are mostly harmless. Sometimes, the insects that caused them could be long gone.
There are times, however, when your concerns will be valid. This is especially the case if they form in large numbers.
Here’s what to do after determining what those bumps on your tree leaves are.
Don’t Remove Them
Never try to remove the bumps. Since they are a reaction to damage that has already occurred, removing them will not help your leaves heal.
Don’t Apply Insecticides
Tree leaf galls often indicate the presence of pests or insects. As such, you might be tempted to spray them with insecticides. This, however, will be pointless.
Whatever caused your tree leaves to form those bumps might be gone or hidden inside the gall. Either way, the insecticide you spray won’t do much.
Do Monitor Your Tree
Continuously inspect your tree’s leaves, checking whether the number of bumps remains constant. If you spot new bumps forming, your tree probably has an infestation.
Do Schedule an Inspection
We recommend reaching out to a certified arborist and scheduling an in-depth inspection. Their assessment will help them identify the type of galls on your leaves and their potential long-term impact, which will be especially helpful if you have a high number of galls or your tree is showing signs of stress and damage.
Enjoy Reliable Arborist Consulting Services
What are the bumps on tree leaves, and are they harmless? B.G. Tree Care is here to help you settle all your tree health concerns. We’ll conduct a detailed assessment looking for any signs of tree leaf pest and disease problems before recommending the best solution.
Call us today at 484-941-4232 to schedule our services and enjoy the benefits of a professional tree health assessment.
