Help - Cherry Tree under attack

Frenchgirl

Hi I hope someone can help. When my dad died two years ago I brought a cherry tree (in a pot) to remember him by. I have been away for a few days and on my return the leaves (not the truck) are covered in ants. The tree is a small cherry tree I brought it for senimental reasons so would really like some advice on what I can do. I dont have green fingers! Thanks in advance x

Kay_Peel

it looks like you're not the only one with a sick cherry tree:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2514085

There are two reasons why ants like cherry trees:

1. Cherries have sweet honey-like sticky stuff around their leaf buds at this time of year and the ants love it. They won't damage the tree and will soon move away when the sappy stuff dries up.

2. The ants are carrying aphids (greenfly) to your beloved cherry tree. Aphids excrete sticky stuff that the ants lap up and aphids feed on the cherry. If this is the case - then act now because aphids will do untold damage.

Get rid of the ants by spraying a garlic solution all over the tree. (Boil up a few cloves of garlic in a pint of water and let it cool). Ants don't like strong smells. You could also hang cotton wool balls or tissues soaked in an old perfume or essential oils. I use Olbas Oil.

Once the ants have gone, the birds will eat the aphids.

if you can see any aphids then give the branches a good shake. Most will fall off. The rest can be zapped with a spray bottle filled with warm water and a few drops of washing up liquid.

I'd go and inspect your tree right now and see if you can see any green creepy crawlies.

Good luck! :beer:

Frenchgirl

Hi thank you for the advice. I tried the scented tissues first. I cant see any green creepy things yet only the ants. I have never seen so many the leaves are black!! I am going to try the garlic trick tomorrow. Will let you know how I get on. Keep gardening. x