tree with big opening in bark - how save? and small black bugs, we think aphids, on lots of leaves - Ask Extension
Hi There, we have a tree in our backyard that has a big opening, see picture: can we save it, and how?This tree is leaning away from the house as we h...
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tree with big opening in bark - how save? and small black bugs, we think aphids, on lots of leaves #564434
Asked May 25, 2019, 11:51 AM EDT
Hi There, we have a tree in our backyard that has a big opening, see picture: can we save it, and how?
This tree is leaning away from the house as we have been cutting off some branches right next to the house. it seems to me as if the tree is leaning a bit more each year.
And, lots of the leaves have lots of tiny black bugs, we think they are aphids, yikes. Any advice on aphid problem?
If this tree is unrecoverable, do you have some recommendations for a tree to replace it.
Thank you very much!
Sean
This tree is leaning away from the house as we have been cutting off some branches right next to the house. it seems to me as if the tree is leaning a bit more each year.
And, lots of the leaves have lots of tiny black bugs, we think they are aphids, yikes. Any advice on aphid problem?
If this tree is unrecoverable, do you have some recommendations for a tree to replace it.
Thank you very much!
Sean
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Sean,
Trees have an ability to heal wounds but once decay has hollowed out the inside of a tree, it can become a hazard. I recommend you get an arborist out to evaluate your tree and determine whether it is salvageable.
As for the aphids, it's a common insect pest that comes and goes. While their numbers can be alarming because they increase so rapidly, over a period of time they tend to disappear as well. Read the attached fact sheet for recommendations on control strategies https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/aphids-on-shade-trees-and-ornamentals-5-511/
Here are two lists of recommendations for replacements if you wind up having to remove your tree, The first one is large trees; the second one is smaller trees:
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/large-deciduous-trees-7-419/
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/small-deciduous-trees-7-418/
Trees have an ability to heal wounds but once decay has hollowed out the inside of a tree, it can become a hazard. I recommend you get an arborist out to evaluate your tree and determine whether it is salvageable.
As for the aphids, it's a common insect pest that comes and goes. While their numbers can be alarming because they increase so rapidly, over a period of time they tend to disappear as well. Read the attached fact sheet for recommendations on control strategies https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/aphids-on-shade-trees-and-ornamentals-5-511/
Here are two lists of recommendations for replacements if you wind up having to remove your tree, The first one is large trees; the second one is smaller trees:
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/large-deciduous-trees-7-419/
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/small-deciduous-trees-7-418/
