How Do I Get Rid Of Salix Galls

Chairman · #1 (**permalink**) 09-08-2011, 07:00 PM

Can anyone help me, I have a Willow tree with Salix caprea Gall and would like to know how to get rid of it? Any Ideas?

The Woodman · #2 (**permalink**) 09-08-2011, 07:26 PM

That's an unusual question, Chairman! Welcome to WAB.

I think that once the galls are evident in the leaves there are two ways to control them.

The first is leaf picking - depending on the size of the tree it could be easy-ish to downright impossible.

Secondly I might try a systemic insecticide although I'd need to check the life cycle and times of this gall that probably contains the larva of one of the sawflies, others can be caused by mites.

There are some knowledgeable gall folks on WAB and hopefully one might be along soon.

Can I ask why you want to get rid of them? As far as I know they're just unsightly and do cause any damage.