What the heck are these bumps on my hackberry tree? - Ask Extension
I have a hackberry tree in my backyard that I planted about 15 years ago. Every year, the leaves have small bumps on them which turn into huge bumps i...
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What the heck are these bumps on my hackberry tree? #854653
Asked November 03, 2023, 5:01 PM EDT
I have a hackberry tree in my backyard that I planted about 15 years ago. Every year, the leaves have small bumps on them which turn into huge bumps in the fall. See attached photos. The tree seems to otherwise be healthy and growing. None of the other trees in my backyard have these bumps and I have about 5-6 different trees. I only have one hackberry tree. Do you know what this is and whether I should be worried or even try to address it?
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi Tracy,
These are hackberry galls. The bumps cover the eggs of tiny insects. While they don’t look good, the bugs don’t harm the tree, people or pets.
Many trees, especially maples, get these galls. Sometimes trees drop leaves because of them, but because the galls and bugs are harmless no treatment is recommended.
Here’s more information:
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/deciduous-tree-galls/
Here’s photos of galls, including on hackberry:
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1059
Hope this helps.
Thank you!
You’re welcome!
Thank you!
