Will Oak Galls Kill the Tree

An infestation of the galls can kill oak trees. … The galls are the result of infestation by gouty oak gall wasps, a tiny insect that lays their eggs on oak leaves. It will take several years, but the galls can eventually kill trees.

Should you remove oak galls?

Something you can do now – and I heartily recommend it – is to remove and destroy any galls you can find on the trees. There probably are many on twigs and branches; look for knobby and hard growth. Chances are it’s a gall. By removing it now, you lessen the number of eggs available to hatch come spring.

Do gall wasps harm oak trees?

You might be surprised to know these growths on oaks are galls caused by different species of gall wasps. Gall wasps are insects which are quite small, and unlike the larger wasp species you may be familiar with, they do not sting people. … They usually do not seriously harm oak trees.