View Messages

Return to Forest & Tree Health

Oak Tree Raining Small Nodules

[Post a Follow Up] [Post to this category]
From: Marie Bond City: Catonsville, MD
My oak tree is dropping small hail-like nodules, constantly. It sounds like rain drops running through the leaves (early october). I've never seen it "rain" like this before, almost like its weeping. Is this cause for concern or a normal cycle of some sort I have just not seen in living with this tree ten years?
	Extension Message From: Jay Hayek Extension Specialist, Forestry Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences jhayek@illinois.edu
Greetings Marie, Assuming these hail-like nodules are not mature acorns, they could be either immature, first-year red oak family acorns or tiny galls caused by parasitic wasps, mites, or other insects. Either way, I really don't see this as an immediate tree health concern. Without a visual observation, I really can't diagnose this problem with any degree of certainty. Therefore, if this is a major concern of yours, then I would strongly urge you to contact your local university extension office. Thanks for your question!
[Post a Follow Up] [Post to this category]