What is this white hairy stuff on two apple trees?

ReadySteadyGo

Can anyone help me identify it, and should I do anything about it?

ReadySteadyGo

Pictured attached.

tromtipp

Possibly Apple woolly aphid

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/advice/pests_and_diseases/identifier.shtml?apple_woolly_aphid


if you encourage insect predators they should deal with the problem for you once the weather warms up - if not, washing them off with soapy water should work - the link gives more detail.

slipperyox

I got that on a few trees, hard to get rid of.
But noticed it was more on sheltered trees

ReadySteadyGo

I think that is it. It is more prevalent around previous pruning sites or damaged parts of the bark.

Seems I need to get some ladybirds!

grassylawn

Yeah woolly aphid. We have it on our trees. They are somewhat shaded. No fruit last year. Usually good fruit. Been there since we got the place. Looks like there will be good fruit this year

theteal

Pain in the hoop they are. I'm no gardener but I like the inherited apple trees. Last year you'd have seen me out in the garden a few times a week with the fairly liquid mix spray. Not so bad this year mind.

slipperyox

maybe hang a blue tit nest box on your tree for next spring

Reckless Abandonment

slipperyox wrote: »

maybe hang a blue tit nest box on your tree for next spring

It works a treat
Just don't have to much food in the feeder or they get lazy