Willow Trees Has Clusters Of Little Red Bumps All Over Trunk

Question From: C. Standfest - Montgomery, Texas, United States
Q: My willow has clusters of little red bumps all over the trunk. Will it hurt my tree:?

A: Sounds like scale. Take your finger nail or a knife and squash one - if it's gooey on the inside it's the tiny bug under the protective covering. You can spray it with horticulture oil or use a systemic pesticide. Check with your independent garden center for options. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy