Question:
Every year, we notice Aphids on our Flowering Plum tree. I’ve read that ants carry Aphids, but I have never seen any ants around these trees. What can I do to prevent the Aphids? Also, the tree is struggling. Half of the tree has finished flowering, while the other half is still bare, and the branches are brittle. Can this tree be saved, and will pruning help?Answer:
- The Aphid problem is easy to solve.
- Once the leaves begin to emerge, be on the lookout for any leaves that are curling. The leaf curl is caused by the insect and is also found on cherries and apples.
- Aphids multiply quickly as reproduction is stimulated by the plant juices they’re feeding on. Also, they don’t need to mate with a male.
- When you see the curly leaves, spray the plum tree with the non-toxic Insecticidal Soap, applying twice a week.
- Then, pick off the curly leaves and dispose of them. The best you can. This should protect the trees from further damage for the rest of the year.
- Otherwise, reapply Insecticidal Soap as needed.
- Aphids are present year-round, but they are most active in spring, when new growth is emerging. They are common problems on many plants. Roses are vulnerable in spring, while Camellias can become problematic in fall.
- Aphids are mobile and can move without ants. With ants, you should apply Pest Barrier or Tanglefoot to the trunk. Pest Barrier and Tanglefoot are non-toxic, sticky resins that prevent ants from climbing into the tree’s canopy.
- Your main concern should be the tree's health. The section that has not leafed out and is brittle is probably dead.
- If it has not leafed out by Memorial Day, I’d remove it. Next, step back and assess what remains to decide whether it’s worth saving or needs to be replaced. It will take several years for it to recover.
- Pruning will never cure what is ailing a struggling tree; it only improves the shape and form of plants.
- If you decide to keep the tree, then remove branches that hinder the overall shape of what’s left. This is a decision you need to make.
- Next, fertilize with an all-purpose fertilizer to promote new growth and establish a regular watering schedule.
- Finally, I recommend recording the tree’s progress with a digital camera or smartphone.
Question:
Recently, I divided and replanted my Agapanthus. Some of the roots are exposed, so I think they’re planted too high. Is it too late to trim some of the bottom of the root ball and/or replant them deeper?Answer:
- It's not too late to replant the Agapanthus. It will be several months before it gets too warm. You could do both: trim the roots or replant them. The choice is yours.
- That said, having some of the roots exposed at the soil surface isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Personally, I like to see the tops of the roots exposed, as I always make sure they aren’t planted too deep.
- Also, I’d mulch the plants in May to shade the roots until a new canopy forms during the first growing season.