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Blackthorn trees suffering

Ross9YRoss9Y Posts: 17
in Problem solving
I have some mature blackthorn trees that are looking decidedly unhealthy. They bloomed fine last month, but now the new leaves are shrivelling up. I’ve looked for pests and seen what may be some beige coloured creatures, and there does seem to be stickiness too.

Does anyone know what this problem is and if it’s terminal, or whether I can leave them knowing they’ll survive?

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    The hedgerows around here are full of blackthorn and they're incredibly tough plants.
    The 1st photo looks like scale insects possibly - if you life one off and there's white 'cotton wool' looking stuff underneath they are scale insects.
    The curling leaves probably indicates aphids of some sort making the most of the tender new leaves.
    I don't think either will cause any significant damage to such tough plants.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Ross9YRoss9Y Posts: 17
    Thank you, that’s what I’m hoping
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I think one of the reasons blackthorn are so valuable to wildlife is that they are tough as old boots and can survive playing host to so many insects and their larvae, thus providing food for so many birds etc. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I agree totally with @Pete.8's post, and yes - they're hard to kill, so it's unlikely to be a major problem.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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