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Tree ID

JedwardJedward Posts: 7
in Problem solving

hi there.

We are trying to identify a tree in our garden having failed to draw any conclusions using various websites. Please see the pictures; can anyone tell me what it is please?

also there is a lot of black staining on the leaves, trunk and on the surrounding graveled area beneath the tree. There are also aphids of some sort covering the backs of the leaves. Please can anyone tell us what is wrong with the tree and how we might cure it?

we have lived in this house for 3 years and this is the first year that we have had the problem. The tree was pruned / cut back last winter.

Thanks in advance

John

 

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  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 9,979

    Scale insect possibly

    If it is, you could try something like Vitax Winter Tree Wash  - used when the tree is dormant - as it says on the tin.

     

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,773

    I think your tree has had an aphid infestation, probably because of the pruning which has encouraged a lot of tender new growth that aphids like. 

    The honeydew secreted by the aphids makes a sticky surface on the leaves and Soody Mould has formed on the stickiness, and then run down the trunk of the tree. 

    My suggestion is to leave things as they are.  Don't prune the tree and hopefully there'll be less of an aphid infestation next year.  If you do notice aphids on the tree you can hose most of them off with a jet of water from a hosepipe.  Also encouraging bluetits and great tits by hanging bird feeders and fat balls near the tree will get them and their fledglings to feast on any aphids in your tree.

    Don't use an insecticide to try to get rid of the aphids, it'll just kill the ladybirds and wasps that feed on aphids, and create a 'perfect storm' of aphid infestation.

    Hope that helps image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • JedwardJedward Posts: 7

    Thanks for your advice Pete8 and  dovefromabove.

    is there any point hanging the bird feeders now or should we wait until next year? we have noticed alot of ladybirds and bees around the tree image

  • LoganLogan Posts: 2,532
    I agree looks like a flowering cherry , they do have aphidsimage
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,773
    Jedward wrote (see)

    Thanks for your advice Pete8 and  dovefromabove.

    is there any point hanging the bird feeders now or should we wait until next year? we have noticed alot of ladybirds and bees around the tree image

    I'd start feeding the birds when the weather gets colder this winter, then by the time spring comes and it's aphid time again, they'll be used to coming to your garden for food - hang the feeders in or near the tree and they'll queue up in your tree and hoover up the aphids while waiting their turn on the feeders image

    And yes, those ladybirds know what they're doing!  Next spring/summer look out for these http://www.ladybird-survey.org/downloads/ladybird_larvae.pdf on your tree and don't panic - although they look weird they're baby ladybirds and eat aphids too.  

    That's why insecticides are sooooooo bad!

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,991

    Could you do another pic of the leaves please. Looking at the general appearance, the underside of the leaves and the trunk I think you might have a willow of some sort.

    Has it ever produced flowers/catkins or fruits/ seeds?

    Cut back like that it may not have done.



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • JedwardJedward Posts: 7

    Hi nutcutlet, please below

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  • JedwardJedward Posts: 7

    Thanks all for your input image

  • JedwardJedward Posts: 7

    Nutcutlet forgot to say no flowers or catkins.

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,991

    Well I'm not sure here Jedward.

    Are there any other opinions?

    I can't see that as a flowering cherry Logan



    In the sticks near Peterborough
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