Hi Barb and thanks for your plea for aphid help. First defense is to direct a strong hose of water at the tree. Washing the aphids off will often be all it takes to halt the population. Then give the ladybugs and lacewings a chance to move in and feed.

Second line of defense can be a horticultural soap or oil spray but this put a stop to the predators as well.

Then, make sure your tree is not stressed by too much nitrogen fertilizer, too little water or a soil problem. Stressed trees attract feeders so this will be an important step if you want to have a healthy tree.

Good luck with the water solution!