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treebeard55 · 05-02-2009, 11:23 AM

Scale can be a stubborn problem, because the individual insects blend into the bark so easily.

Also, an adult scale's carapace is impervious to many insecticides, which is why I use a horticultural oil: spray it on and it smothers the little sassenachs. It's the same basic thing as "dormant oil," but lighter weight so it can be used when a plant is in active growth. Since brand names differ between Europe and the US, I won't suggest one; your friend should go to a garden center and explain what he's after.

I also use systemics for scale, but I've never tried them on Chinese elm; best to follow the advice above and leave them alone in this instance.

Do I assume correctly that your friend, and his tree, are also in Ireland?

05-02-2009, 11:23 AM	#8 (permalink)
treebeard55 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Warsaw IN, USA USDA zone 5b Posts: 510	Scale can be a stubborn problem, because the individual insects blend into the bark so easily. Also, an adult scale's carapace is impervious to many insecticides, which is why I use a horticultural oil: spray it on and it smothers the little sassenachs. It's the same basic thing as "dormant oil," but lighter weight so it can be used when a plant is in active growth. Since brand names differ between Europe and the US, I won't suggest one; your friend should go to a garden center and explain what he's after. I also use systemics for scale, but I've never tried them on Chinese elm; best to follow the advice above and leave them alone in this instance. Do I assume correctly that your friend, and his tree, are also in Ireland? __________________ Treebeard 55 Steve Moore http://hoosierbonsai.blogspot.com The most important bonsai tool is your brain.