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Posted By: netty What IS this? - June 12th, 2006 at 07:06 AM
We have a very old Maple tree on our property. I noticed today that the leaves are covered with little green things...looks like they could be eggs of some sort Duh
Anyone know what it is? Will it be harmfull to my tree?
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Posted By: Longy Re: What IS this? - June 12th, 2006 at 05:35 PM
It's probably a gall from a mite or some insect. Young critters growing inside. It's also probably been getting these for many years. There are none on neighbouring trees because these types of critters are usually host specific, or genus specific at least. I wouldn't worry about it. It shouldn't harm the tree. Just part of natures' interdependence.
Posted By: The Plant Doc Re: What IS this? - June 13th, 2006 at 12:22 AM
Yep They are leaf galls. Very common to maples. The insect that is usually responsible for them is a parasitic wasp that is actually beneficial to controlling other insects pests. While it may look bad it does not bother the tree what so ever, and having that population of beneficial critters around should keep your other pests in check.
Posted By: netty Re: What IS this? - June 13th, 2006 at 08:53 AM
Thanks Longy and Plant Doc ! thumbup
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