Don’t Let Aphids Wreck Your Landscape
As the weather warms up and your landscape starts to thrive, so do the pests – and few are as sneaky and stubborn as aphids. These tiny, sap-sucking insects can cause big problems for trees and shrubs across Virginia, especially as we head into late spring and summer. Here's what you need to know about identifying and controlling aphids before they take over your yard.
What Are Aphids and Why Should You Care?
Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap, usually targeting the tender parts of trees and shrubs. You might not notice them right away, but the damage they leave behind is easy to spot. Curled or yellowing leaves are often the first sign. Aphids also secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can coat patios, cars, and outdoor furniture. That honeydew often leads to a secondary problem: sooty mold, a black coating that grows on the sugary residue and interferes with photosynthesis.
While aphid damage is mostly aesthetic, it can become severe enough to cause defoliation or even kill weakened plants over time. That’s why early detection and proactive care matter.
When Are Aphids a Problem?
In Virginia, aphids typically overwinter on perennial shrubs and trees – on branches, roots, or bark – before emerging in the spring. As temperatures consistently rise into the 60s and 70s, these pests wake up and begin reproducing rapidly. Left unchecked, they can cycle through multiple generations in a single growing season.
How Virginia Green Can Help
Our Tree & Shrub Care Program is designed to tackle pests like aphids at every stage of the season. Here’s how we do it:
- Dormant oil applications in winter help smother overwintering eggs and larvae.
- Spring fertilization supports recovery from aphid damage and strengthens plants, making them more resilient to future attacks.
- Systemic root injections deliver targeted protection – so when aphids feed, they ingest a treatment that shuts them down.
- Selective insecticide treatments in summer help keep populations under control while protecting beneficial insects and blooms.
With consistent care and strategic timing, aphids are very manageable – and your landscape doesn’t have to suffer.
Stay Ahead of Aphids This Season
The key to keeping aphids off your trees and shrubs is prevention. Once they take hold, control becomes harder, especially in your first season of treatment. But with expert support and a proactive plan, you can minimize their impact and keep your yard looking its best.
Need help protecting your landscape? Contact Virginia Green to learn more about our Tree & Shrub Care Program and schedule your seasonal treatments today.
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