this is the same disease and the same shrub that I asked about a couple years ago. Can you tell me what’s happening?  the shrub is only  1.5 foot diameter with tiny twigs.  half plant is dead. how long?

Hello Diane,

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Before I can determine what insect these galls are from, do you know what the plant is?  That would help in narrowing the culprit and giving you a direction in what to do.

Thanks,

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. I have looked at your pictures of your shrub and these ‘bumps’ are insect galls. These are caused by insects like gall wasps or mites, which causes the shrub to produce abnormal growths or deformities. We may be able to identify it more accurately by cutting the gall in half and examining its interior can also provide clues to its identity. If you're still unsure, you may want to consult with a local extension service or a plant pathologist who can help with a more precise diagnosis. Most galls do not adversely affect plant health. Therefore, management is generally not suggested to protect plant vitality. Chemical applications are an option, but are often ineffective since the precise timing of sprays is critical. To be effective, sprays must be timed to coincide with initial insect/mite activity before gall formation begins. Once galls start to form, they conceal the causal organism and it is too late for treatment. For insects/mites that overwinter on the host plant, horticultural oil applications can be made before insect/mite activity begins in the spring.

Your shrub has some other issues as well. There are many broken branches toward the base, along with branches that are pulled but not broken off. These areas are like an open wound to a shrub, and can cause many issues, such as insects boring into the stems and bacteria or fungus getting in also. The pile of dead evergreens and weeds is very thick and could cause problems with oxygen getting to the roots of the plant.

I have included some publications for your reference to help with the gall issues:

Galls on Shade Trees and Shrubs (purdue.edu)

Insect and mite galls | UMN Extension

Tree and Shrub Galls | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)

"betula n valley" is the name of the shrub.  i hope this helps  in reopening post and then finding  answer on how best to treat.

It doesn't make a difference what variety the plant is, the treatment would still stay the same. It is galls and follow the guidelines in the publications that was previously sent. 

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension!