Re: Heritage River Birch Pests

Some stages of Aphids have wings, and Aphids and sawflies seem to be the
major pests of birches around here, along with a few weeks of Japanese
Beetles.  In most cases, the infestations are self-limiting.

Do you know what baby ladybugs look like? If you've got ladybugs, they'll
probably take care of the aphids for you.

d


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "A A HODGES" <hodgesaa@earthlink.net>
To: "gardenchat" <gardenchat@hort.net>
Sent: Monday, July 04, 2005 6:34 PM
Subject: [CHAT] Heritage River Birch Pests


> Anyone ever had a problem with pests on a River Birch? This is Betula
> Nigra 'Heritage.' This year, and last I had major problems with what
> something that has wings, is tiny and is a piercing, sucking insect.
> Truthfully, they look like aphids with wings to me. I've tried blasting
> them, and the tree also has quite a few ladybugs, but they are really a
> serious problem. My tree probably has half the leaves it should.
>
>
> There also seem to be some kind of beetles that look like a vegetable
pest, maybe potato or cucumber beetles.
>
> What do I do? The tree was planted at the back of the house in a very
> wet area, near where I do my repotting, etc. It's about 15 feet tall
> now, and is growing rapidly, but probably not a rapidly as it should. I
> planted it to create summer shade which is desperately needed at the
> back.
>
>
> Should I wait until this winter and then get on a ladder and blast it
> with hort oil? I've never tried to systemically poison a tree before.
>
> Suggestions?
>
>
> Andrea H
> Beaufort, SC

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