Question
I just noticed several clusters of red bumps which sort of look like small buds on the main trunk and the two largest lower branches on my weeping willow tree.  The tree looks healthy, but I've never noticed these things before.  We live in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Our weather has been rather wet this spring.  Could it be too much water?  Is that even possible?  I'm just worried it's some sort of disease starting.  Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Chuck

Answer
It could be scale insects. take your finger and see if the "bumps" can be squashed. Scale insects live in a "shell" similar to a turtle. They suck the plant juices from the plant. It also could just be the tree is sprouting new growth from the trunk--which is common for willow. It has nothing to do with watering.  If the bump will squash the scale insect can be controlled with an insecticide. One of the newer systemic insecticides is Merit that is applied to soil and the roots and taken up by the plant and when the scales suck the plant juices it kills the insect. Check with your local nursery fro Merit.