We have a very large tulip tree in our yard. Every year it is a magnet for aphids, this year worst than most. We have tried releasing ladybugs to no avail. We cannot sit under it, it covers the ground with stickiness, and now with sticky leaves. Worst of all, it has made the neighbour's yard so uninhabitable that they have erected a tarp to protect themselves! Any solutions? One suggestion we've received is to take out some limbs to allow more air flow. Others have said that the only cure is to take the tree down. I'd appreciate some feedback, as no one likes to cut a tree down unnecessarily. But neither do we want to spend money on limbing if it's useless.
Cutting part of it away will have no affect on the insects, which will tend to be spread over the tree.
We also had some major problems with aphids this year, on a young bing cherry tree. What we did is apply a ring of tanglefoot (you put tape on the tree and apply this sticky goop on top) to stop ants from going up and down the trunk. Ants and aphids live together, and by stopping the ants, you can minimize the aphids (that is the theory).
That theory is true. Instead of lady bugs/lady beetles, purchase an aphid eating "Midge" called "Aphidaletes sp.". They will stay with the tree, overwinter in the soil below it and more will hatch in the spring to help control your aphids. The problem with lady bugs, is that they will fly away! They are a waste of money.
Thanks everyone, for your suggestions. After consultation with an arborist, we have decided to have the tree removed, and to plant a fruit tree in its place.
Sad. :( You should really try those other solutions before you wipe the big, beautiful tree out. Was it an ISA certified Arborist that told you it should be removed? Seems pretty extreme.
Yes, I agree with Brockstar, tulip trees are pretty amazing. And, based on my own fruit tree experiences, very prone to aphids (and other issues). You may be replacing one problem with another.
