as stated above......thought it was a bagworm cocoon at first....

It looks like a nut type thing that grows on cedar trees. I don't think it's actually a bit, but I do not know what else to call it. They're not good to eat, in case you didn't already try it

Looks like the corona virus made it into evergreens!

Found it....it's called cedar apple rust. It's a gall caused by a fungus, and it requires a cedar tree and a member of the apple family to form.
cedar apple rust info

Possibly- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/gymnosporangium_juniperi-virginianae.shtml

Yup, absolutely Cedar Apple Rust.

Alien! Run wile you can!

Moosetrot

I knew what it was, but still thought this.

Keith

I am certainly glad the answer was found, however there is a long standing tradition for what is this questions so here it is............pig castrater.

I had cedar trees in my yard that got growths similar to that I would cut / trim them in hopes of helping the trees ?
I also would see pine beatles from time to time none of them lived very long after I seen them

15 years ago I learned about cedar apple rust. I planted apple trees about 20 yards from the cedars. In 2 years the apple trees were dead!

Quarintine yor Cedars

Me too! Lost a young gala tree a few years back! (My favorite apple) What I don't know is how far the apple trees need to be from. the ceders.

If I recollect right, a long way, farther the better, like none .

I have an apple orchard maybe 50 yds from a long line of white cedar trees for past 59 years , everything is fine except for apple insects..... go figure !!!!

Cut that cedar smooth off at ground level below any branches and be done with it.

You are correct. Cedar Apple Rust gall. They say if you are within a 1/2 mile of a cedar......trees will probably get it.

Some apples are immune.....others are not. If it fits your climate, Liberty is a good eating apple that is mostly immune. Many others are not. Just replaced a Gold Rush (turned orange from the fungus) with a Sundance......latter is largely immune.

That is my way of thinking too, but the only purpose they are good for is a windbreak, and that is why I have them here at home. Guess I'll have to buy my apples!

Your Apples are most likely of the variety to resist cedar apple rust. Uou can buy trees that ar more resistant

I didn't know what it was and thought that too!