Leaf Galls on Red Oak: Cosmetic, No Treatment Needed

What They Are

Green balls on leaf undersides = galls induced by tiny wasps or mites. The gall protects the developing insect.

No long-term harm. Heavy infestation may cause early leaf drop, but tree health is unaffected.

None needed. Sprays don't work once galls form. Populations vary yearly.

Trees: White Oak Suckering and Gall Wasps: Normal Self-Pruning, Galls Cosmetic—Imidacloprid Ineffective; Horned Oak Galls: Identification and Management on Pin and Water Oaks; Oak Leaf Blister on Water Oak: A Common Spring Disease; Oak Twig Galls: Identification and Management; Prickly Balls on Live Oak: Harmless Insect Galls; Oak Apple Galls on Post Oak; Leaf Galls on Scrub Oak: Harmless and Temporary; Oak Apple Galls on Red Oak: Harmless Curiosities; Oak Apple Galls: Red Balls on Leaves, Harmless; Oak Leaf Miner Damage: Identification and Cleanup

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