Question
I live in North Georgia. Several branches on a tree in my yard are covered with what looks like thick cobwebs, with a nest of leaves inside. Any idea what it is?

Answer
This is an insect called Fall Webworm. These caterpillars rarely cause health problems to a tree but will make it look unsightly. They can be controlled by knocking the webs out of the tree (a long bamboo pole will work good) or spraying the nest and foliage around the nest with an insecticide. Some people even tie rags to the end of the bamabb pole and set it a fire and burn the webs out --this may harm the tree. Check the webs and see if there are still caterpillars in the web feeding if not they have done their business and are not a problem any more this year. If the caterpillars are still in the web spray or destroy the web by knocking it down. Here is a web link to more information and the insecticides to use
http://www.forestry.state.al.us/Forest_Management/FMS/Insects/Fall%20Webworm.pdf...