Mite Flower Gall

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TreeJunkie

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Dec 8, 2003
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Shawnee, KS
Here around Kansas City we've had an extreme amount of Mite Flower Gall on our Ash trees. Much more than has been seen in previous years. I'm aware that not a whole lot can now be done, however i'm interested in recommended treatment for next year to prevent this from occuring. I know that just b/c we are seeing alot of this this year doesn't necessarily mean we will also next. However i'm interested to find out a treatment in case it will be needed in the future.
I've spoken w/ a few people and so far what i've heard is: Treat w/ foliar pesticide app in the spring.. Also have heard that Merit in a basal drench app. might be the ticket. I'm confused to this b/c i've heard so much w/ Merit and Mite infestation following app. So would Merit not be a good choice. A miticide? What do you all recommend?
 
I'm not an ash expert, but I'm told that the gall in the flowers is not harmful becasue it just stimulates a lot of male flowers to grow. I disagree with Johnson/Lyon p. 478 who say it's unsightly; I think it's ornamental because it lends winter interest.

Search Aceria fraxiniflora, and tell us ehat you think should be done. Is the use of a poison as poisonous as Merit merited?
 
The need for control, would not necessarily be due to the fact of the gall being harmful, however quite messy., I personally also find it to be quite unsightly.
 
Messy? If they are shedding on the deck or driveway I understand. I thin out sweetgums for the same reason. Is there a time of year the galls shed the most, or a little all the time?

Viewed from a short distance, I still think they add more than detract from the aesthetic appeal. but that's in the :Eye: of this beholder. Poll time?
 
Agree or disagree as to the beauty. However, i'm needing to hear a real solution. What sort of treatment would be recommended for next spring?
To the question as to when they shed. By my observations it seems to be a slow continuous shedding. It makes quite a mess over the patio/driveway. Thinning will not completely aleveate the problem. Thus, for those demanding clientele i need some sort of control, if i can.
 
Originally posted by TreeJunkie
Thinning will not completely aleveate the problem.
Sorry to :confused: things; I misused the term "thin out". I meant cut down, to allow others in a stand to develop better. As for systemic control, I could not find any listed. Late winter pruning followed by spray is recommended, but we all know how costly that would be.
 
Originally posted by TreeJunkie
Thinning will not completely aleveate the problem.
Sorry to :confused: things; I misused the term "thin out". I meant cut down, to allow others in a stand to develop better. As for systemic control, I could not find any listed. Late winter pruning of the galls followed by spray is recommended, but we all know how costly that would be.
 


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