What are the bumps on tree leaves that appear throughout the summer? These tiny nodes can relate to insects, pests, bacteria, or leaf injury. To determine whether these abnormal leaf growths are concerning, expert arborists offering tree services in Montgomery, AL, can provide help.
Learn more about the causes of leaf deformities and how to recognize them.
What Do Leaf Galls Look Like?
The bumps on leaves are called leaf galls. These bumps can take various shapes, such as round bumps that resemble blisters or egg-like shapes. The smallest galls might only be 1/16th of an inch in diameter, while larger bumps might be an inch or larger across.
One leaf you inspect might only have one of these bumps, while a nearby leaf might appear to be covered in them. Although most galls appear on the leaves, some may also appear on stems or flowers of the tree.
When they initially appear, most galls are green, similar in color to the leaf but they may turn a darker color as they age.
Do Growths and Bumps Kill The Leaves?
What are the bumps on tree leaves, and can they kill the tree by causing leaf drop? The galls on leaves do represent damage to the leaf, so they are concerning when they appear in large numbers. Insects cause the majority of galls, meaning your tree may have a dangerous insect infestation when you see a lot of galls.
However, simply seeing galls on the tree’s leaves doesn’t mean the plant is in danger. Galls might be worrisome and cause occasional leaf drop, but they rarely cause enough damage to a tree to kill it.
Preventative Measures for Leaf Galls
You should not attempt to remove galls or bumps from the leaves. The gall is the result of the damage caused by the insect or bacteria, so removing it won’t help the leaf heal.
If you believe insects are causing the galls to form, you could ask an arborist for an inspection. The arborist might suggest treating the tree the following spring to try to prevent the insects from causing fresh galls to appear during the next growing season. Damage from insects that leads to bumps frequently occurs when the leaves are young.
The arborist might also suggest giving the tree fertilizer treatments when bumps are covering the leaves. The leaf forms the gall to protect and heal itself, which requires nutrients and energy that could otherwise go to other parts of the tree. Fertilizer treatments can give the tree a little more energy.
Contact Tri-State Tree Service for Help With Leaf Treatment and Care
What are the bumps on tree leaves, and should you worry about them? Although most bumps are harmless, proper leaf gall identification can provide clues about disease or tree pest symptoms that are treatable. Certain types of galls can even be one of the causes of tree leaves falling.
To schedule an appointment for an inspection and free cost estimate, contact our arborists at Tri-State Tree Service today at (850) 876-8003. We can help with any tree problems you’re having.
