[Virtus]

Hi there,

I have noticed what I suspect to be woolly aphid on what I think is a crabapple tree in our garden. As I have said in my last few posts, the garden has been rather unkempt for the last number of years so I suspect it has been present for a long time. It appears to be covering pretty much the entire tree. We have some apply trees growing nearby, which I would be anxious about not getting infected.

The tree hasn't seen much love in a long time so please excuse the lack of pruning..

Is this really woolly aphid and if so will it end up harming or killing the tree? As it is so extensive would we be better off just taking it out to prevent spread to other trees?

[Virtus]

Just went out and had another look. It produces a purple residue when I crush it between my fingers, and I've just noticed a couple of patches of it on two other apple trees in the garden..

[James Kilkelly]

Looks like Wooly aphid alright, Virtus.
some great info on its control in this previous thread........ Wooly aphid
Plus a pic of the problem
.

[Virtus]

Thanks a million, James!