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White Fur on Apple Tree Trunk

philip.millard9000philip.millard9000 Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi Guys
I have white fur on an apple tree trunk that goes into a tree house.
It isn't on the tree truck outside the house. 
Its very sticky on the finger. 
Can you please help me identify it and recommend treatment.
The tree produces lots of good apples and looks in good health.
We now have a granddaughter and I dont want her to go in there until I sort it.

Many thanks for your help.
Phil

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    It is Woolly aphid, I think, which cover themselves with the white stuff as protection and which also makes them impervious to insecticides.
    You can scrub them off with a stiff brush and a bucketful of soapy water helps a lot.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    This is a heavy infestation. Winter wash helps keep it down. Some apples are more prone to it than others, Cox's orange pippin for example. 
  • philip.millard9000philip.millard9000 Posts: 3
    Thanks for the quick response Can i paint the tree truck with the right paint once i have washed it down
    Phil
  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    Paint? 
  • philip.millard9000philip.millard9000 Posts: 3
    sorry I saw that painting apple/ fruit trees trunks white to help control pests?
    Obviously not something you would recommend lol?

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/painting-tree-trunks-white.htm
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    No, latex paint may be of some use in certain situations on young trees for commercial growers (and as a protection, not a cure) but tree bark does need to breath so using it is likely to do far more harm than good in this case.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Joy*Joy* Posts: 571
    You could try painting the trunk/infestation with methylated spirits. It's what dad did on the ancient apple trees inherited with the house.
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