Will the galls kill my tree?

No, cypress twig galls are harmless to the overall health of the tree. They are just a minor aesthetic issue.

Can I use neem oil on my tree?

You can, but only apply it in the early morning or late evening to avoid burning the foliage in the sun. Always test a small branch first.

Are there bugs on my Bald cypress? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look for small bumps on the twigs.
Check for fine webbing between the needles.
Observe if the foliage color is fading or looking dusty.

Likely causes

Cypress twig gall
Most likely
How to tell: Small, round, or irregular galls appear on the twigs.
What to do: These are mostly cosmetic and rarely harm the tree. You can prune them off if you dislike the appearance, but treatment is not required.
Spider mites
Possible
How to tell: Fine webbing appears between the needles and the foliage looks dusty or pale.
What to do: Spray the foliage with a strong stream of water to dislodge the mites. Repeat this every 3 to 5 days until the webbing disappears.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bald cypress

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if the tree shows significant thinning or branch dieback due to heavy infestation. Most gall issues are harmless.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the tree healthy with proper water and sunlight to help it resist pest pressure.

Bald cypress: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bald cypress and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will the galls kill my tree?: No, cypress twig galls are harmless to the overall health of the tree. They are just a minor aesthetic issue.
Can I use neem oil on my tree?: You can, but only apply it in the early morning or late evening to avoid burning the foliage in the sun. Always test a small branch first.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

Are there bugs on my Bald cypress?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your bald cypress?