Tree protection

[dabbit]

I read somewhere that you are supposed to 'grease' fruit trees to help prevent pests. I wonder whether this applies to all trees? I am growing dwarf apple trees in containers and wonder if I need to do it too? Also if I do is there special grease you buy? Any tips welcome

[Lesley Jay]

We tried this a few years ago and it was a bandage that you wrap around the tree trunk. I shall try and find some more information for you.

[andrewo]

Dabbit, yes you are supposed to do this to prevent a variety of moth and caterpillar crawling up into your spurs, you can get the grease or bands from the links below. You can also use vaseline, but this gets washed off in the rain. The bands last sometime, as you tend to put them on in Autumn and take them off in spring (I leave mine on to catch ants), I put mine on in Sept and they're still very sticky now. Warning though, when you put them on be wary they are very sticky.
The grease:
http://www.organiccatalog.com/catalo...roducts_id=523
Already done in bands (I use this one):
http://www.organiccatalog.com/catalo...oducts_id=1324

[Lesley Jay]

Take a look at www.kenmuir.co.uk They have codling moth traps which are also useful to have.

[poultrychat]

I bought one but forgot about it, I pressume it's too late now?

[smallblueplanet]

Should I think about some form of 'protection' for our new dual plum tree?

dabbit - how long do you think it will be before you get froot from your container tree? How big/old is it a present?

[Lesley Jay]

The greasebands are to protect the fruit from the winter moth. The adult moths emerge from the ground in autumn and mid winter. The females cannot fly so they crawl up the tree trunks and lay their eggs on the branches. The caterpillars appear in early spring and cause extensive damage to the leaves, flowers and fruit.