Tree treatment

[farmerjim]

I have an old elder tree at the end of my garden between the fence in my garden and the house that backs on to me. I think its infected as every year it is a magnate for black fly and it get some kind of sticky stuff on it. This spreads to anything around it.

Im planning on growing my hops in the same area and I dont know what to do. I would rather treat the tree and use the flowers and fruit rather than kill it.

Can anyone suggest what this may be and the best way to treat it or failing that, the best way to dispose of the tree discretely?

[WrexTheDragon]

Elder can attract black fly and they produce the sticky mess. To treat use soapy water and a few drops of oil and spray the tree if you can. Inspect all the nooks and crannies for any live larva, if heavily infected, you may need to cut the branch off,
I would do this every two weeks.

[Two_Sheds]

You need something that eats blackfly: ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies. Grow some calendula around the tree to attract them.

[farmerjim]

Thanks guys, that sounds good. I will start spraying the tree ass soon as it come's into blossom and then every 2 weeks after that. I just dont want to have spent £17 on 2 hop rhizomes only for them to be attacked by these little blighters!

[BFG]

I agree with 2 sheds. Encourage their predators.

Some small bird boxes in or near it would help, if you attract any occupants. Blue tits love aphids.

Nettle aphids are supposed to be the 1st to appear, so if you have nettles, you should attract the predators early in the season and then they'll be in situ ready for the elder lot.