I have a damson tree which has produced an enormous quantity of fruit
in both the past two years.

Unfortunately its leaves seem to be the favoured food of all the local
aphids. The infestation was so bad last year, that all the leaves had
been sucked dry and had fallen off before the fruit had even ripened.

Not surprisingly, this year the tree has had practically no blossom
(and what little there was seems to have been frosted off), so I
assume I won't be getting any tasty damsons this year.

Is there anything I can do to get rid of the bugs this year (mostly
whitefly I think), to give the tree a chance to rebuild its strength?
I'd prefer a non-chemical solution (sorry!), but I'll spray if I have
to. Last year the nearby Euphorbias were smothered in ladybirds, but
they had all vanished by the time the tree needed their help :-(

Bob

"Bob" wrote in message
om...
I have a damson tree which has produced an enormous quantity of fruit
in both the past two years.

Unfortunately its leaves seem to be the favoured food of all the local
aphids. The infestation was so bad last year, that all the leaves had
been sucked dry and had fallen off before the fruit had even ripened.

Not surprisingly, this year the tree has had practically no blossom
(and what little there was seems to have been frosted off), so I
assume I won't be getting any tasty damsons this year.

Is there anything I can do to get rid of the bugs this year (mostly
whitefly I think), to give the tree a chance to rebuild its strength?
I'd prefer a non-chemical solution (sorry!), but I'll spray if I have
to. Last year the nearby Euphorbias were smothered in ladybirds, but
they had all vanished by the time the tree needed their help :-(

I had a similar experience last year. What I have done since seems to have
had some effect, or maybe just coincidence! I would be happy if someone
here can tell me please

Last autumn I put a lot of work into my trees which were overgrown and
fairly neglected. Not my fault I hasten to add

I pruned the plum and everything nearby almost to the bone. As a result,
there is so much more light and much less competition. The plum itself
looks beautiful now much to my relief because I was afraid I had murdered
it. It is covered in glorious blossom and I sit looking at it with great
pleasure.

The apple tree I asked about moving a couple of weeks ago is also covered in
blossom and I am very pleased and gratified.

Now does this have anything to do with the lack of beasties? I don't know,
but I dont' have any this year

O

ps just had a thought... is it too early for the beasties?

pss these are the recipients of all that beautiful, smelly compost I put
down a few weeks ago

If you will mix a couple of teaspoons of liquid dish soap into a liter of
water, and spray that on aphids, they will die and you will be rid of them
for awhile. If they come back, do it again. It is harmless to plants,
except those that have wax or oil coating their leaves for protection.

Dwayne

"Bob" wrote in message
om...
I have a damson tree which has produced an enormous quantity of fruit
in both the past two years.

Unfortunately its leaves seem to be the favoured food of all the local
aphids. The infestation was so bad last year, that all the leaves had
been sucked dry and had fallen off before the fruit had even ripened.

Not surprisingly, this year the tree has had practically no blossom
(and what little there was seems to have been frosted off), so I
assume I won't be getting any tasty damsons this year.

Is there anything I can do to get rid of the bugs this year (mostly
whitefly I think), to give the tree a chance to rebuild its strength?
I'd prefer a non-chemical solution (sorry!), but I'll spray if I have
to. Last year the nearby Euphorbias were smothered in ladybirds, but
they had all vanished by the time the tree needed their help :-(

Bob