The damage inflicted on conifer hedges by the cypress aphid (Cinara Cupressi) is profound and can result in large brown patches on the hedge. Infestation reduces the aesthetic look of the hedge and can lead to localised death. The aphid is active from May to October and it is important to catch this problem early and apply treatments to stop the spread. Trees typically impacted include Western Red Cedar, Lawsons Cypress, Leylandii and Monterey Cypress.
Honeydew, a sugar rich sticky substance secreted by aphids, can often be seen cascading down from many trees on a bright sunny day, landing on driveways, motor vehicles, plants and furniture. This sugar rich material is then colonized by a sooty mould fungus, which feeds on the sugars, creating a black dull like appearance.
Control of aphids on woody and non woody plants is relatively easy and is usually done by adopting good cultural techniques and by reducing exploding populations by timely treatments.
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