This is on one of my mother’s maples. What is it and what should she do about it?

  • Pmmeyourtoaster@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    The silver maple capitate mite ( Vasates quadripedes ) is a herbivorous mite from the family Eriophyidae . Monophage, haloformer, damages North American maples: silver maple ( Acer saccharinum ), sugar maple ( Acer saccharum ), red maple ( Acer rubrum ). Induces the formation of small capitate galls on the leaves. Comes from North America. In the 20th century, with planting material, it was brought to Europe. Recorded in 1957 in Latvia, currently widespread in Europe on silver maple ( Acer saccharinum ).

      • protist@mander.xyz
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        Insects that form galls like this are typically only causing cosmetic damage and don’t threaten the health of the tree. I wouldn’t worry about them unless they were really out of control or you started seeing leaves dying

          • LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net
            link
            fedilink
            English
            arrow-up
            1
            ·
            1 year ago

            Hi, arborist here. I would advise against using pesticides to control this issue. The galls are completely harmless to the tree and the pesticides may cause harm both to you if you were accidentally exposed, and definitely to other invertebrates, many of which may be beneficial. Some may even help control the mites in future years.

            • Flying Squid@mander.xyzOP
              link
              fedilink
              English
              arrow-up
              1
              ·
              1 year ago

              Thanks. I think what my mother will do is just pick off the affected leaves that are really bad and leave the rest.

              • LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net
                link
                fedilink
                English
                arrow-up
                1
                ·
                1 year ago

                Great, that’s basically what I’d recommend. Disposing of any leaves you pull off the tree and those on the ground away from the tree should help reduce the intensity of the issue.