Hello, Does anyone know of a treatment for what I believe is an aphid infestation on a large birch ( what I call a black river birch) Disfigured leaves and black soot are present. It is too tall to completely spray. I understand that it will survive but it certainly looks unattractive. Are there any answers now that many of the old insecticides are gone? Jenmckee
Soap and water mix, apply with a sprayer the same way you would of with the pesticides. (If you have a miracle grow attachment for your hose, fill it with dish soap, and put it on the hose.) Carol Ja
try watering it during the dry periods. birch are usually found in areas of moisture (river banks, lake areas) and dont like to be in hot, dry areas with salt water spray possible. there are no systemic insecticides available for retail sale in Canada any longer so if you do want to go that route you will need to consider hiring a qualified company to use an injection (Mauget perhaps) system to apply the insecticide. personally I would take a garden hose and spray what you can to wash the critters off, plant more berry producing plants, put up some feeders for small birds and water the tree as mentioned before. good luck and watch out for bronze birch borer too. :)
