How to get rid of galls on pin oak trees or remove them?

E.l. Schroeder
by E.l. Schroeder
These are older trees and it seems like all pin oaks in the area are affected with them.

  3 answers
    • E.l. Schroeder E.l. Schroeder on Jul 07, 2017

      Very informative. Thanks. They are so infested that I will still think about removal. We have 3.

  • BillieandRob Linhart BillieandRob Linhart on Jul 06, 2017

    1 -Identify oak galls on your trees. These growths typically emerge at bud break in the early spring. A developing gall typically looks like either a big seedpod or a small, tumor-like growth on the leaves, branches or stems.

    2 - Look for symptoms of gall. Affected oak tree leaves often appear scorched, blackened or curled and fall prematurely. Horned and gouty oak galls sometimes create solid masses that might girdle entire branches.

    3 - Prune out gall-infected branches and twigs with a small saw or pruning shears. Burn or step on the galls promptly to kill the developing larvae. Place gall remains in a tightly sealed baggie or trash bag and discard immediately.

    4 - Prevent the spread of this oak tree disease by promptly raking up fallen leaves and twigs. Gall-producing insects often overwinter in the debris.

    5 - Reduce the gall-producing insect population by hanging bird feeders from your oak trees. Your feathered friends are natural predators of the various gall wasps.

    6 - Spray an application of carbaryl when the buds break in the spring. This stops the adult females from laying eggs and helps reduce leaf gall formation. Follow the instructions on the product's label.

  • Joeast Joeast on Jul 07, 2017

    Most oaks seem to be susceptible to a various extent. There are many types of insects that cause galls, usually tiny, harmless wasps on oaks. Many times I have sliced around the diameter of the oak "apple" to show a child the tiny "baby" nested inside. Most galls do no significant damage, and can be part of a biological community. Take a sample to your local Extension office to be identified if the insect seems to be seriously affecting the health of the tree before trying to treat--usually woody types. Remember, the chemicals used are a poison. Trying to protect a tree from something so ubiquitous can be a losing proposition. So trying the cultural solutions listed by Billieandrob would be my recommendation, and only if the tree seems seriously affected. Another thought--oaks, especially live oaks are being attacked by a blight not caused by galls. So an Extension agent could help you distinguish this.