Beech tree condition

Question: Recently pruned some low hanging branches on my mature beech tree and noticed red spiny objects. In the spring there were a lot under the tree and thought it was a part of the leafing out process but tree is fully leafed now and was quite full of these items. Could you determine what it is and if they are harmful, thank you in advance.

responder: Thank you for your question! Nancy M.MSU Extension Advanced Master Gardener  Replied June 18, 2023, 8:19 AM EDT
response: What you have on your tree is a Beech Gall. A  gall is defined as a growth on a plant that is made of plant tissue but  caused by another organism. These organisms might be insects, bacteria,  fungi or viruses. Insect galls are the most common. There are estimated  to be around 133,000 gall-causing insect species in the world, and that’s only for one type of gall causer (the organism that causes the gall) – less is known about bacteria, fungi and viral galls, so the true  number of gall types will be even higher. All galls are formed for the same sort of purpose: the deformity is a deliberate mechanism by the gall causer to use the plant for its own purposes. In ecological terms, it’s known as a parasitic relationship. The gall causer manipulates the plant tissue for itself, but the plant receives no benefits in exchange. Most galls don’t harm the plant though  and will have no effect on the health of the host trees. Galls may disfigure twigs and foliage, but they do not seriously affect the health of trees and shrubs. Chemical control is usually not recommended.  Although I was unable to find a bulletin specifically about the Beech Gall, below is a photo of one, which looks very similar to what is on your tree. Also, you may find the information at these links helpful.https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/tree_galls_are_rarely_cause_for_concernhttps://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_are_these_ugly_bumps_on_my_trees_leaves If you still have concerns, you may wish to consider engaging a Certified Arborist. We suggest Certified Arborists because they must pass a test and must acquire continuing education. You can locate such individuals at http://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist.aspx

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 18, 2023, 11:08 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick response and explanation of the current condition in my beech tree, hopefully the tree will continue to accent my yard.Sent from my iPhone On Jun 18, 2023, at 8:19 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Thank you for your question! Nancy M.MSU Extension Advanced Master Gardener  Replied June 18, 2023, 11:41 AM EDT
response: You are welcome. Your tree is a lovely shape and seems to be in a good location.

responder: Thank you for your question! Nancy M.MSU Extension Advanced Master Gardener  Replied June 18, 2023, 2:20 PM EDT
response: I have been informed that I might have mistaken about what you were asking about. She thinks you were asking about the red spiny ‘things’ on the Beech, as pictured in your photographs. If so, these are the ripening beech nuts.  The Beech fruits have a spiny cover, as seen in the attached link: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/fagus-sylvatica-purpurea/ In any case, your tree is fine.