tree advice - Ask Extension
my new baby cascara tree is crawling with aphids & they’re devouring its leaves!
Help!
Thanks, Barb Welty
Knowledgebase
tree advice #872446
Asked June 10, 2024, 2:49 PM EDT
my new baby cascara tree is crawling with aphids & they’re devouring its leaves!
Help!
Thanks, Barb Welty
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
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!
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!
