Throughout its lifetime, your tree will face many threats. However, as far as threats go, none are more frustrating to deal with than pests. While small in size, the damage they leave behind can be monumental, which is why pests like aphids are such a major concern for tree owners.
Aphids are sap-sucking insects that cause stunted growth and even tree death. Fortunately, there are measures you can take against aphids on trees so that you don’t find yourself needing an emergency tree service in Gardena, CA. Learn more below.
What Are Aphids?
Aphids are small green insects that feed on the sap of plants and trees. You will often find these pests in large numbers, sitting on the undersides of leaves or feasting on new growth spots.
How To Know You Have an Infested Plant
Knowing whether you have aphids on trees can be challenging. For the most part, looking for signs of damage will help. For example, when aphids feed on your trees and pierce plant tissue, they can cause the following:
- Yellowing leaves
- Curled leaves
- Stunted or deformed growth
However, the damage doesn’t end there. As these insects feed, they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts other pests like sooty mold and ants.
Ways To Treat Aphids for Healthier Trees and Plants
The last thing you want to do is give hungry aphids time to ravage your tree. The damage they do on their own is already extensive. So, it’s not difficult to imagine how much worse it can get once their excretions attract other pests to the scene.
The good news is that there are several ways to treat aphids on trees, including the following:
Hose Them Off
A pressurized stream of water can dislodge aphids from your tree’s leaves. Aiming the hose at potential hiding spots should do the trick.
Use Soap
Many gardeners will use insecticidal or dish soap to rid a tree of aphids. If you choose insecticidal soap, closely follow the instructions on the label.
Apply Horticultural Oil
Another way to eliminate aphids is by smothering them with horticultural oil. It’s an effective method for treating a tree with aphids. However, arborists recommend applying the oil during the dormant season to kill the aphids’ overwintering eggs.
Call a Professional
The best solution to your aphid problem is a professional who knows what they’re doing. Who better to turn to than a certified arborist with the expertise and tools to effectively eliminate aphids and other tree pests? They can also treat your tree for any disease the insects might have transmitted so that your trees can thrive.
Call for Emergency Tree Service in Gardena, CA
If you’ve been asking yourself what causes a tree to die, pests are right at the top of that list in California. Don’t underestimate the damage aphids can cause, no matter how tiny they look.
Could you be dealing with aphids on trees? Contact Gutierrez and Sons Tree Service and Landscaping at (310) 324-6593 today for dependable solutions to protect your tree from this natural enemy.