Reddish "Golf Balls" Appearing On Tree ?

 

Hi,

Live outside of Boston.

Have this tree in my front yard about 29 feet tall or so.
Have no idea what it is.
Has pointed leaves, no cones.

Moved in about 4 yrs ago, and tree was like, well, just there since, and
looking pretty.

Just now, WOW !

Zillions of round, reddish color, balls have appeared all over for the first
time (at least in 4 yrs.).
About 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

Surface is not smooth, has many protrusions going outward.
Almost like a small golf ball, with the dimples going outward rather than
inward.

Any idea what this is, and what is happening ?

Thanks,
Bob

 

on 9/14/2009 7:26 AM (ET) Robert11 wrote the following:

Not enough information. First, identify the tree, then you can search
for diseases of that type of tree.
It sounds like they may be galls which house tiny wasp larvae. There are
many different types of galls that attack different tree species.
Pictures would be most helpful in identifying the tree and gall.

--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

 



Could be an Kousa Dogwood.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kousa_Dogwood  

 

on 9/14/2009 10:33 AM (ET) Chas Hurst wrote the following:

You're probably right. I was thinking more of a disease.
The funny thing is, I have a Kousa Dogwood in my yard!
See here for pic that I just took.
http://picasaweb.google.com/willshak329/UntitledAlbum#5381353474223103666


--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

 



I've got one also, and it's covered with the red fruit. I have a number of
seedlings growing around the parent tree-the fruit must be fertile.