Bumps growing on smaller branches at the top of aspen trees - Ask Extension
We have a two clump aspen (8 years old and 15-20 ft high) that appears dead or at least not any new leaf bud growth this spring. At the very top of th...
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Bumps growing on smaller branches at the top of aspen trees #556072
Asked April 26, 2019, 11:04 AM EDT
We have a two clump aspen (8 years old and 15-20 ft high) that appears dead or at least not any new leaf bud growth this spring. At the very top of the aspen trees there are smaller branches with bumps growing and a picture is attached. This clump is surrounded by several other healthy clumps of aspen and the nearest about 10 ft away and getting leaves. Catmint grow around the bottom. Everything has been healthy until now.
What is the disease and can we do anything to remedy it? Thanks.
What is the disease and can we do anything to remedy it? Thanks.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
This is poplar twiggall fly, a very common problem we see on almost every aspen in the landscape. Unfortunately, there's no control for this native insect, except for other insect predators. This insect doesn't usually affect growth of aspen, which struggle in lower elevations and urban settings. Dieback occurs for many reasons, such as drought, age, cultural practices, etc. If the branches are dead, then I would suggest you have an arborist come in to prune them. Pruning dead branches can be done any time of the year.
Here's more info on poplar twiggall: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/poplar-twiggall-fly-5-579/
This is poplar twiggall fly, a very common problem we see on almost every aspen in the landscape. Unfortunately, there's no control for this native insect, except for other insect predators. This insect doesn't usually affect growth of aspen, which struggle in lower elevations and urban settings. Dieback occurs for many reasons, such as drought, age, cultural practices, etc. If the branches are dead, then I would suggest you have an arborist come in to prune them. Pruning dead branches can be done any time of the year.
Here's more info on poplar twiggall: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/poplar-twiggall-fly-5-579/
