I've taken pics of a growth on a medium sized re-leafed tree where I live. Actually, it has two on it. I noticed them in the spring and have watched as they've grown in size. For lack of a better description, since I don't see a place here to include the pics, the growths look like someone took a piece of dog poop and molded it around the limb of the tree. It's blackish in color with white spots throughout. Do you have any idea what this may be? The bigger of the two is about 5-6 inches on the limb and about 1.5 inches in width.

Hi,

Without a photo it is hard to say what it might be. I am thinking either a gall of some type of burl. If you want to send a photo yo can do so to my e-mail adress and I will try to id for you.