I noticed that the leaves on the tips of the branches of my Patmore Ash tree were all curled up...?
Question:and further inspection showed tons of tiny, white bugs within the curled up leaves. We also have a pear tree, but they weren't on that one, just the three ash trees. Any ideas what this is and how to get rid of them? Will they harm my trees if I just leave them be? The trees are only about 3 yrs old, but I've never noticed this before.
Answers:
Sounds like the ash leaf curl aphid. These bugs secrete a sticky "honeydew" that glues the leaf up around them for protection. Infestations usually occur in spring, and gradually taper off toward mid summer. There is not a lot you can do, since the curled leaf protects the bug from sprays. You could use a systemic insecticide, but you might just as well wait it out. Eventually the tree will recover.
I'm pretty sure your tree has aphids and you can spray it with a good insecticide,people say you can spray with soapy water but Ive never had any luck with that.We have them on our roses and on our plum tree every year,there a real pain.
I've got a Magnolia tree which was under stress from scale . Consult a garden center and ask for the head arborist and he/she will point you in the right direction on what to do ! You can start by giving the tree a long drink of water to help relieve some of the stress (if it's been dry in your area) Also ,get on the internet and research this problem by searching with key words such as arborists, garden centers etc., call your locale horticultural extention office or city arborist .Are you getting the picture ?
probably ashleaf curl aphids
If not severe, aphids will disappear in hot weather. Won't kill the tree unless repeated infestations (2-3 yrs.). Severe infestation requires treatment.
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