bug or fungus on my elm trees - Ask Extension
I have this growth on a couple of my elm trees. trying to figure out if its a bug or fungus so I can treat. I planted the 4 remaining trees about ...
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bug or fungus on my elm trees #192908
Asked June 20, 2014, 10:48 PM EDT
I have this growth on a couple of my elm trees. trying to figure out if its a bug or fungus so I can treat. I planted the 4 remaining trees about 4 years ago as just little twigs now their about 12 feet tall so I hate to loose them. thanks for any help you might be able to provide
Allen County Indiana
Expert Response
Thank you for sending the pictures to eXtension.
The elm foliage appears to have an infestation of woolly elm aphids. These insects looks startling, but are generally not serious except on young trees.
Generally, control measures are not called for, partly because the pest is not causing serious damage, and partly because the aphids are so hard to reach (there are many of them hiding under/in the curled up leaves). For young trees, I'd suggest trying to spray the foliage with insecticidal soap (the material from the garden center, NOT dish detergent!). You may need to respray every week or so...check the label directions.
Another option is to use a soil drench of imidacloprid (Bayer Tree and Shrub Insect Control). This is a system that will reach all parts of the tree, regardless of where the aphids are hiding. This chemical works best if applied in the spring, but you might try an application now if the infestation isn't being controlled with the insecticidal soap.
Some more information on this pest can be found here: http://www.hfrr.ksu.edu/doc1625.ashx
Please let us know if you have any other questions.
The elm foliage appears to have an infestation of woolly elm aphids. These insects looks startling, but are generally not serious except on young trees.
Generally, control measures are not called for, partly because the pest is not causing serious damage, and partly because the aphids are so hard to reach (there are many of them hiding under/in the curled up leaves). For young trees, I'd suggest trying to spray the foliage with insecticidal soap (the material from the garden center, NOT dish detergent!). You may need to respray every week or so...check the label directions.
Another option is to use a soil drench of imidacloprid (Bayer Tree and Shrub Insect Control). This is a system that will reach all parts of the tree, regardless of where the aphids are hiding. This chemical works best if applied in the spring, but you might try an application now if the infestation isn't being controlled with the insecticidal soap.
Some more information on this pest can be found here: http://www.hfrr.ksu.edu/doc1625.ashx
Please let us know if you have any other questions.
