Orange Fuzz Balls on Post Oak: Woolly Leaf Galls

Post oak covered in pea-sized orange fuzzy balls on leaves/twigs, dropping leaves early. These are woolly oak leaf galls from tiny gall wasps (Callirhytis spp.).

What to Know

• Wasp lays egg in bud → gall forms → larva develops → adult emerges.
• Galls cause leaf browning/drop but no lasting harm.
• Population cycles wildly year to year.

Response

• No spray needed—timing is nearly impossible.
• Fertilize: 1 lb 10-10-10 per inch DBH, scattered, watered in.
• Rake fallen galls to slightly reduce next year’s population.

Tree will be fine. Next year may show zero galls.