What is on my apple tree?

[Garden_Chris]

Hi guys,

We've inherited an old looking apple tree, possibly between 20 - 50 years of age. It's been partially taken care of, but right now it's significantly overgrown and cluttered. I plan to prune it back in the winter months. But right now, it seems to have an infestation that I've never seen before. Can anyone offer any advice?

Many thanks,

GC.

[burnie]

Is it wooly aphid?

[Lardman]

Is it wooly aphid?

Id say so. Stiff scrubbing brush and have at them if you can.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=724

[nickdub]

Agree its woolly aphids - a long bristled paint brush and some white spirit will clear it up, as longs as they are within reach.

[DannyK]

Definitely woolly aphid. Just jetted some off a couple of my cordons with hose.

I believe earwigs eat them, but they're never around when you need them!

New companion planting idea, dahlias and apples.

[Losos]

Yes, second picture is wolly aphids, and agree with others above, stiff brush and some parafin or white spirit on the effected areas should fix it.