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Scale insects on Japanese acer

stables58nB0fdoK1stables58nB0fdoK1 Posts: 5
in Problem solving
Scale bugs on the acer I think.   Does anyone have a remedy? I also have them on a lemon tree and all the leaves dropped off but there is new growth on there. 
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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Usually a going over with a scrubbing brush or nail brush does the trick. 
    If not, a cotton bud dipped in meths and dabbed on seems to work well. 

    I'd be more worried about that stake right next to it, and the wire rubbing it though. Is there a reason for all that?

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • stables58nB0fdoK1stables58nB0fdoK1 Posts: 5
    It’s a young acer and I guess the previous owners put it there. We’ve been here a year and it was fine last year. I’ve got some softer ties I could use made of Velcro. I’m a bit dubious about taking tree stake out in case it get wind rock. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They're usually fine without any staking, if they're been correctly planted,  but if you want to keep that , then certainly get a proper tie for it. The wire will rub and cause problems.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • stables58nB0fdoK1stables58nB0fdoK1 Posts: 5
    Having taken the metal ties off , I find they do wobble a bit. They’ve been in around 3 years and I can’t guarantee they’re at the right depth. It’s in clay so quite hard to dig in. So I’m going to reattach with some soft side Velcro ties. Thanks for the advice. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I hope that does the trick for you.  :)
    I have to say - it doesn't look right in that first photo. The graft is so high up, and the part it's grafted onto is very thin and does look too light and wobbly to support anything. 
    Clay is a great medium for most plants, but it does need some help to make it easier to manage. Lots of organic matter added regularly, around the base but not right up against the main trunk, will help over time. It improves the soil structure, and means it drains better in wet weather, but doesn't crack and dry out if you have long dry periods.
    This time of year and through summer can be particularly difficult for it drying out, and that isn't the best scenarios for Acers. They need plenty of moisture, but also need adequate drainage.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Arthur1Arthur1 Posts: 542
    You can also get rid of aphids by using the jet action on a hose lance. Knocks them off and they are not able to get back.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They aren't aphids though....
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    I agree that does look most peculiar @Fairygirl, the graft should be at ground level, it’s like the root stock has kept growing up. Unless it has been near snapped in the past and that knobbly bit is not the graft but where the wound calloused over - that would explain the stake. Could we see the whole tree please? Also can you feel a knobbly graft at ground level? The weird growth and instability is a worry..
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • stables58nB0fdoK1stables58nB0fdoK1 Posts: 5
    I’m doing an RHS course and this is what the nursery use on everything 
  • stables58nB0fdoK1stables58nB0fdoK1 Posts: 5
    Is that not the graft then?
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