Copper Beech Whitefly problem?

[andy2]

Hi i have to plant a hedge for a customer, i suggested using copper beech but the customer is consernd about whitefly/greenfly destroys them is this true?

 

Cheers

[Gollum]

The long and short answer is

 

No

 

I have planted quite a few with no problems

[detritus21]

I have a beech hedge mixed copper and normal that I trim twice a year that has serious problems with whitefly. The hedge is very healthy regardless of the little critters

[sloth]

Makes a lovely hedge, we regularly trim several, often covered in critters. I forget what they are called, but I don't think (I may well be wrong) they are green/whitefly, but something specific to beech. I've never seen them kill a hedge, two that I trim about 6-8 feet tall are particularly covered in them (and itch like mad when they fall on you!) yet they grow like mad.

[likeitorlumpit]

greenfly definately love sycamore- little critters:sneaky2:

[elicokiz]

The aphid is covered in wax which makes it appear to be a whitefly it is endemic to beech and is called beech aphid aka Phylapsis fagi. It overwinters in the leaf buds and can in extreme circumstances cause defoliation. would have to be a major infestation to kill the tree.

[sawing high climber]

Aphid produce a sugary liquid called "honey dew"

Which then can lead to "Black sotty mold". growing on the tree, this doesn't hurt the tree directly but if it covers the leaf it can reduce Photosynthesis then weakening the tree, if then another pathogen moves in the tree might die..

Black sotty mold can be washed off with a jet of water.

If i was worried about having an aphid problem i would plant some Dill, Fennel or buckwheat near the Beech hedge which will attract Ladybirds which will eat the aphid..

Problem solved

[Hogs Breath]

Sounds like a woolly aphid, numbers can be reduced by spraying with savona(a fatty acid/soap type chemical) before bud burst.

It will block all feeding and breathing tubes and also dessicates eggs enviromentally friendly too.