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All About Ash Flower Gall Mites

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I received a picture the other day from our lawn care franchise owner in Fulton, IL , Don McLuckie. Don asked if what he was seeing was normal to see on an ash tree. I had seen these on ash trees in my neighborhood. I always thought the fuzzy-looking balls were some type of seed pod. That was the answer that I sent to Don, but I wasn’t 100% sure. After doing some investigating on the Internet, I discovered that my diagnosis was incorrect. What I was seeing on the picture that Don sent in was the result of an Ash Flower Gall Mite.

Ash Flower Galls

How Do Ash Flower Galls Form?

Ash flower galls are abnormal growths that are caused by insects, mites or plant diseases. A tiny eriophyid mite causes the male flowers to develop ½ to 1 inch diameter tumor-like growths, which are the galls. These mites can also cause leaves to distort as well. Ash mites are too small to see without a hand lens or even a microscope. They are worm-shaped and spend the winter under the buds of the new leaves and flowers and begin feeding in the spring.

Are Ash Flower Galls Harmful to the Tree?

Besides being somewhat unsightly, the Gall Mite activity does little to effect the overall health of the tree. The worst thing that can happen to the tree would be if the mite activity was severe and too many galls formed, putting extra stress on the limbs. The galls can remain on the tree for more than one season, which can result in a more unsightly look. Although, it does add a little winter interest to the tree.

Can I Control Ash Flower Gall Mites?

Trying to control the ash flower gall mites requires spraying on the day that the buds first start forming. Trying to control the mite after the galls begin to develop will not be effective. Also, if the trees are large, spraying them will be difficult. The galls really do not hurt the tree. If you live in the eastern half of the US, Ash Flower Galls do far less damage than the Emerald Ash Borer . There is a very good chance that the ash tree in your landscape will probably have to be replaced anyway due to the destructive nature of EAB. If you have other questions about tree diseases, insect activity, or other things related to tree and shrub care , get in touch with your local Spring-Green today!