Twig Galls on Young Trees: Harmless Wasp Homes

Texas backyard: small young trees with woody balls on branches, same color/texture, tiny holes. Owner worries about treatment.

Diagnosis: Gall Wasps

Wasps lay eggs in bark, secrete chemical → plant grows gall around eggs. Larvae develop inside, emerge as adults. Cycle repeats.

No Harm, No Treatment

• Galls don't affect tree health.
• Worst case: few small twigs die.
• Populations vary wildly yearly.
• Controls impractical (timing difficult) and unnecessary.

Do not worry.