White fuzzy growth - Ask Extension
I have a healthy tree which bloomed in April with what I think are the pink cherry blossoms. Now there are 3' suckers growing from trunk with a whi...
Knowledgebase
White fuzzy growth #193954
Asked June 24, 2014, 4:25 PM EDT
I have a healthy tree which bloomed in April with what I think are the pink cherry blossoms. Now there are 3' suckers growing from trunk with a white thick fuzzy/crystalize type junk on the suckers and also into the branches of the tree. I checked with a master gardner and a horticulturist at Lowe's and they didn't know what it was and said to contact you guys.
HELP - what do I do? What is this? How do I dispose of this stuff?
HELP - what do I do? What is this? How do I dispose of this stuff?
Douglas County Colorado
Expert Response
Thank you for contacting Colorado Master Gardeners. This appears to be a wooly aphid infestation. You may try using a strong water spray to remove the aphids and wooly material. Please refer to CSU Fact sheet 5.511 Aphids on Shade Trees and Ornamental.
Thank you for the response- do you see any concerns if I cut the suckers away from the trunk? and then spray the cottonseed or soybean oil on the other affected areas?
Where do I get such sprays to get rid of the woolly aphids?
The link below, Insect Control: Horticultural Oils, provides information you are looking for. Most hardware stores and garden centers will have oil sprays. Regarding the suckers, oils used to be used when plants are dormant. Some can be used year round but should not be used when shoots are growing. Read label directions. Thank you for contacting the Master Gardeners. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05569.html
