Insects & Pests
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed by piercing plant tissue and drawing out sap. On many trees and shrubs, aphids are more of a nuisance than a true emergency, but heavy populations can weaken tender new growth, distort leaves, and leave behind sticky residue that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold. The key is identifying whether aphids are the main issue, how severe the population is, and whether treatment makes sense based on the plant type and time of year.
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On this page
What is it?
Signs & symptoms
What causes it
Trees affected
When to act
How we help
Prevention tips
FAQs
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Overview
What Are Aphids?
Aphids are tiny piercing-sucking insects that gather on leaves, stems, buds, and new growth. They often cluster on the underside of leaves or around tender shoots, where they feed on plant sap. Because they reproduce quickly, populations can build fast under favorable conditions. While some plants tolerate aphids well, others show visible stress, curling, or sticky residue that makes the problem much more noticeable.
When you'll see it in Michigan
Jan
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Overview
Common signs & symptoms
Check each one you're seeing on your tree — your match strength updates below.
Root Cause
What Causes Aphid Problems?
Aphid activity usually increases when plants put on fresh, tender growth and environmental conditions favor quick reproduction. Certain species of trees and shrubs are naturally more attractive to aphids, and stressed plants can sometimes be more vulnerable. In many landscapes, aphids are part of a larger plant health picture that may also involve site stress, watering issues, or prior insect pressure.
Plants at Risk
Trees & Shrubs Commonly Affected
Aphids can be found on many kinds of landscape plants. In Michigan, they are often noticed on ornamentals, shade trees, flowering shrubs, and young tender growth where feeding damage shows quickly.
Beech
Red Flags
When Should You Act?
Not every aphid issue needs aggressive treatment. Light populations sometimes fade as natural predators build up or as plant growth hardens off. However, it is wise to schedule an evaluation if the infestation is heavy, recurring, or causing obvious decline. You should act sooner when sticky residue becomes widespread, leaves are severely distorted, or the plant is already under stress from drought, disease, or poor site conditions.
Low/Moderate
Our Approach
How My Arborist helps
At My Arborist, the first step is confirming that aphids are the primary issue and not just one part of a broader decline. Our ISA Certified Arborists evaluate plant health, the severity of the infestation, and the timing of the problem before recommending treatment. Depending on the plant and conditions, solutions may include targeted insect control, tree and shrub health evaluation, cultural recommendations to reduce stress, and follow-up monitoring to keep populations in check.
01
Health evaluation
Confirm the diagnosis before treating
02
Targeted insect control
Timed applications when warranted
03
Pruning
Recommendations to improve airflow
04
Monitoring
Stop future outbreaks
Stay Ahead
Prevention tips
Monitor tender new growth during spring and early summer
Avoid unnecessary plant stress from drought or poor site conditions
Encourage overall plant vigor with proper watering and care
Address recurring infestations before populations become heavy
Watch for sticky residue, curling leaves, or repeated seasonal pressure
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
What do aphids do to trees and shrubs?
Aphids feed on plant sap. Light feeding may be mostly cosmetic, but heavier populations can distort leaves, weaken new growth, and leave behind honeydew that leads to sooty mold.
Are aphids serious?
They are often manageable, but they can become more significant when populations are heavy, the plant is young or already stressed, or the infestation keeps returning.
Why are ants on my tree or shrub?
Ants are often attracted to the honeydew aphids produce. Ant activity can be a clue that a piercing-sucking insect problem is present.
Can aphids go away on their own?
Sometimes they can decline as natural predators increase or as the plant moves beyond tender spring growth. A professional evaluation helps determine whether monitoring or treatment is the better next step.
When is the best time to treat aphids?
Timing depends on the plant type, infestation level, and time of year. Early identification usually gives the best chance to manage the issue before damage becomes more noticeable.
Keep Exploring
Related insect & pest problems
Scale Insects
Small bumps stuck to bark or leaves
Boxwood Problems
Complex fungal and environmental
Spider Mites
Tiny pests that cause noticeable damage
CONSULTATION
Not sure whether aphids are the real issue?
If your tree or shrub has sticky leaves, curled growth, or signs of insect feeding, My Arborist can help identify the problem and recommend the right next step.
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Serving SE Michigan
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