Ash tree leaves becoming green tufts - Ask Extension
My autumn purple ash tree is developing these contorted green tufts at the ends of branches where leaves should be. They look soft but they are quite ...
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Ash tree leaves becoming green tufts #461797
Asked June 12, 2018, 4:20 PM EDT
My autumn purple ash tree is developing these contorted green tufts at the ends of branches where leaves should be. They look soft but they are quite hard. There is some bluish-white dust among some of them. The tree still has other leaves that are normal. What is going on?
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
This is known as ash flower gall and is caused by an eriophyid mite. Though it looks bad, it's not harmful to the tree and there is no treatment necessary. If you don't like the look of the galls, you can prune them off. However, it will not affect the tree's health long term.
Here is some additional information: http://www.ipm.msu.edu/green_industry/landscape/ash_flower_gall_mite and https://hort.uwex.edu/articles/ash-flower-gall/
This is known as ash flower gall and is caused by an eriophyid mite. Though it looks bad, it's not harmful to the tree and there is no treatment necessary. If you don't like the look of the galls, you can prune them off. However, it will not affect the tree's health long term.
Here is some additional information: http://www.ipm.msu.edu/green_industry/landscape/ash_flower_gall_mite and https://hort.uwex.edu/articles/ash-flower-gall/
