Kitchen Garden Forum

I have a bad infestation of Woolly Aphid on my Crab Apple tree on the allotment. I've tried the high powered jet of water, scrubbing with Methelated spirits, rubbing off by hand but there is too much too high for me to reach. Before I give in and take the tree down and burn it has anyone any other suggestions I can try?

So far there are no signs of it on my other apple trees but I am sure it is only a matter of time.

Beryl.

Hi Beryl,
It would be a great shame to actually fell the tree because Crabapple blossoms are such good Pollinators.
May I suggest that you reduce the size of the tree down to a more manageable size even if this interrupts the show of all important blossom next year.
If possible take the top out one year and then split the rest over three years and then you will not lose all the blossom show.
JB.

Yes, I am reluctant to loose it, it is loaded with fruit and they are a lovely deep orange colour in the Autumn. but it is almost like being covered with snow. Maybe I will try as you suggest.

Thanks
Beryl.

Beryl, Beryl, spare that tree
Touch not a single bough
For years it has protected me
And I'll protect it now

with aplogies to Mr Berlin

It seems such a shame to cut it down. Your tree is coping OK as it has managed to produce loads of fruit. I'm afraid I can't suggest any treatments other than the ones you've already tried though. Some of my trees get this but the amount of infestation varies considerably from year to year - this must be a particularly bad year for yours. Is it possible to give it a winter wash with Jeyes or similar?

John

Love the poem John - thanks.
Yes, I think Johnboy has convinced me not to take it down yet.
I've been pruning some of the soft new growth and hoping the birds might eat some of the aphids. Jeyes fluid is something I could try in the winter.
Thanks I hadn't thought of that.
Aphids of all description have been a real problem this year on all my fruit trees.

Beryl.