Forum home› Problem solving

apple tree pests

Lyndylu25Lyndylu25 Posts: 13
in Problem solving
Hello I have noticed the leaves on my 3 year old apple tree are curling and drying up. Taking a closer look they are covered in little insects. I have tried removing them by had but it is just getting worse. We also have had a lot of Ants and they seem to be crawling over the leaves with the insects on. Are they eating them or producing them? Will I lose my Apple tree? Many thanks.

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,861

    The ants are 'milking' the aphids of their honeydew.  The ants 'encourage' the aphids which, if your tree was large it would probably cope ok, but as it's only a small tree the aphids might stunt it's growth.  I think I'd make a weak dilute solution of washing up liquid and spray it over the infestations - that ought to help get rid of the aphids. I've used a solution of Ecover washing up liquid to get rid of aphids on roses and it worked for me image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Lyndylu25Lyndylu25 Posts: 13
    Thank you so much I will do that. Yes it is a small apple tree and it does seem like they "the aphids" are getting the better of my tree. I appreciate your reply.



    Thank you.
  • flowering roseflowering rose Posts: 1,632

    In the spring soak  a old cloth with cooking oil and try round tree.This stops the ants and alike doing the damage.its to late now so next year.....

Sign In or Register to comment.