Knowledgebase
Ash Tree Concerns #841053
Asked July 17, 2023, 11:37 AM EDT
Hi, I have an Ash Tree that has generally been very healthy. My neighbor has the same Ash tree. They have noticed the leaves starting to curl into themselves and a white substance on them. It seems to have taken over their tree. I noticed this started on my tree just yesterday (I've looked every day). I have attached a picture. Can you tell me what this is and how to combat it? We love our tree and have worked over the past five years to keep it healthy and growing strong.
Thanks!
El Paso County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello Kelly,
This has been a bad aphid year and it looks like you have leafcurl ash aphids. More information can be found here: https://www.montana.edu/extension/pubs/a-guide-to-pests-problems-and-identification-of-ornamental-shrubs-and-trees-in-montana/insects/leafcurl-ash-aphids.html
Hopefully as the season progresses, parasitic wasps and earwigs will take care of the problem for you. If the branches are within reach, you may want to blast the aphids off with water from a hose. Fortunately, your tree should rebound just fine.
Thanks,
Allisa Linfield
Horticulture Program Coordinator
CSU Extension El Paso County