Volunteer Willow Tree In My Yard In Western Arkansas

Question

This willow tree has done great and I’ve been very proud of it. Lately all or most of the leaves are wilting and they’ve got little bumps all over them and they’re sticky. But they’re not the red bumps I see talked about on some sites. I can’t tell if these are creatures or fungus? Please help I don’t want to lose the tree. Thanks Scott

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Answer 1

These are Gall Mites, or Eriophyid Mites of which there are over 300 species. The best treatment for these will, actually, be predatory mite! These articles will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/treating-leaf-gall-on-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-are-eriophyid-mites.htm