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Poorly apple tree - white fluffy crystals

BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
in Problem solving
Our apple tree (mature -here when we moved in 2007) has a huge number of leaves, more than I have ever seen ...only a very few flowers which have started to turn into apples.....but horrible little clumps of white crystals like old fashioned asbestos loft insulation are on the trunk and branches. What is it and what should we do? Its a beautiful shaped tree and blocks the direct view from next door windows into ours, across a narrow part of the garden.  :'(

Posts

  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    Hi - I suspect the experts on here will want a photo! However, it could be lichen (harmless, and common on mature trees) or woolly aphid?
  • BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70

  • BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
    I especially went out and took photo before sending the question... what a dumbo I didn't attach the picture. Sorry :/
  • Arthur1Arthur1 Posts: 542
    Possibly wooly aphid?
  • BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
    I just looked in an ancient Percy Thrower gardening book for how to get rid of woolly aphid and he says 'stiff brush and meths' so I will be out with the toothbrush tomorrow. Thanks once again for solving my garden problem!

  • Arthur1Arthur1 Posts: 542
    Or soapy water. Could just use hose with jet attachment.
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    I get it sometimes,just wash it off it’ll be fine. 
  • BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
    I use soapy water for everything else that moves on my plants - so the spray bottle is on standby - much better idea thank you. Soapy water it is. Or even just blast with the hose except it may dislodge my teeny apples
    Thank you everybody. A great relief.... thought my tree was a gonner!
  • Arthur1Arthur1 Posts: 542
    Don't forget that soap is non selective so will kill anything, pest or not. Needs to be used very carefully.
  • BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
    Fair comment - usually aphids are on my radar mainly
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