Forsythia Galls. Can The Plant Be Rescued.

Question

i cut back all the branches with the galls on but the stems have a round hollow running through all the stems. and some of the thicker stems seem to have gall-like nodules on the bark itself .can it be saved or do I have to cut it right down.its about 25 years old at least. but still has lots of flowers each spring despite the many galls on it

Answer 1

Many galls are caused by insects and don't pose a problem, but galls on forsythia may be caused by a Phomopsis fungus or a bacteria and needs to be cut out like you are doing. If it's to the point you can't cut back to clean wood, it is time to remove the shrub.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/forsythia/forsythia-gall-treatment.htm

http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/forsythiagall.pdf