Yellow spots on tree leaves - Ask Extension
I have what I believe is a buckthorn in my yard and the leaves are covered with yellow spots. There also seems to be a lot of gnats or some other type...
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Yellow spots on tree leaves #869682
Asked May 22, 2024, 7:41 PM EDT
I have what I believe is a buckthorn in my yard and the leaves are covered with yellow spots. There also seems to be a lot of gnats or some other type of tiny flying insect hovering around the tree. This has not happened in previous years.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
These are galls. Essentially a gnat, mite, or small wasp bites the leaf and a bacteria or virus enters.
You are an astute observer to wonder if the gnats had anything to do with this.
https://www.britishplantgallsociety.org/buckthorn/
Unfortunately, it will not damage your buckthorn. Pull them out. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/insect-and-mite-galls
The easiest way for plants this size is a brush root puller that can be rented at garden equipment rental stores. With perseverence your buckthorn will get smaller and rarer.
These are galls. Essentially a gnat, mite, or small wasp bites the leaf and a bacteria or virus enters.
You are an astute observer to wonder if the gnats had anything to do with this.
https://www.britishplantgallsociety.org/buckthorn/
Unfortunately, it will not damage your buckthorn. Pull them out. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/insect-and-mite-galls
The easiest way for plants this size is a brush root puller that can be rented at garden equipment rental stores. With perseverence your buckthorn will get smaller and rarer.
