What is wrong with my Maple Tree?

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aremmick Underwood, MN(Zone 4a) Jun 09, 2009

Does anyone know what this in on my Maple Tree and how do I get rid of it?

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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Jun 10, 2009

Although blurry in the image, I think y'all got galls.

That is, maple galls - which are usually formed by insects laying eggs on plant parts, and then the plant reaction to this is to grow mutant cells around the growing insect which creates the gall.

Most of the time (and I think this applies to your instance, which appears to be a Silver Maple, Acer saccharinum) this is simply a cosmetic issue which does no permanent harm to your tree, and is a part of the cycle of life.

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Resin Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a) Jun 10, 2009

Galls caused by Eriophyes mites.

Resin

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aremmick Underwood, MN(Zone 4a) Jun 10, 2009

So do I just let them be, or do I pick them off -- will they ever go away? Is there any way to get rid of them?

Thanks
Anna Mae

Post #6667869
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snapple45 Holland, OH(Zone 5b) Jun 10, 2009

Galls are common. They don't do any harm to the tree. There's no reason to treat and I don't believe there is any treatment because they're harmless. They'll "go away" when the leaves fall off. Picking them off would leave holes and tattered foliage. How big is this tree anyway? Picking them off a mature silver maple would be quite an undertaking.

Post #6669335
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aremmick Underwood, MN(Zone 4a) Jun 10, 2009

You are correct I definitely would need a ladder -- and since I don't like heights I will just let them be. Thanks for all who responded, this is a wonderful way to get info needed.

Thanks
Anna Mae

Post #6670414
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Resin Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a) Jun 11, 2009

Maybe rake the leaves up as soon as they fall in autumn, and bury them deep in a compost heap. That might perhaps break their overwintering life cycle and prevent them from reappearing next spring.

Resin

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