Question
There are several oak trees on our property and I've noticed golf ball size fuzzy balls with red spots on a few of the trees. I've just noticed one ball on each of the trees, low enough that I could cut the offending ball off a few of them. The ball seems to be wrapped around a small branch. I've noticed this on other trees throughout the neighborhood, all oaks. So my questions are- what is this? Is it something to be worried about or a natural occurrence on oaks that I'm just not aware of.

Answer
Christy:
This sounds like an insect gall called a wool sower gall.  It is caused by a tiny gall wasp.  Use "Google Images" on your computer to check it out. If not, take and send me a photo. I have a bug expert next door to me.  These galls like most are harmless.

Steve