Do you remember the time when there was an outbreak of aphids and most Leylandii hedges were transformed from luscious green to ugly brown? For those who were affected by this onslaught of the said insects, it was quite memorable. It can be a traumatic experience for the homeowner to suddenly see his prized Leylandii hedges turn brown.

The aphids attacking the Leylandii are known as cinara cupressi. Usually four millimeters in length, these insects hide very well in the leaves, clinging to the branches of the tree. Their presence usually avoids the gardener until some patches of brown appear on the foliage of the tree indicating their presence on the tree.

Considered a virulent pest, the aphids feed on the sap of the tree, which makes the Leylandii drop its needles and the foliage eventually grows brown. A sure sign they are present are the black spots they leave, which are the secretions of the aphids.

Cold winters typically kill these insects. However, due to climate change as some have proposed, they have been able to survive milder winters and flourish in the spring and summer.

The problem they cause is quite severe as it cannot be reversed in extreme cases. It can take years before the tree can recover and in severe instances, if left unattended, the tree is beyond recovery and dies.

There have been severe outbreaks before. So, you need not suffer because of another one. You can take precautions to prevent the destruction caused by these insects.

The first thing that will surely work in your favor without you having to do anything is that of having a cold winter. Now this is up to Nature to provide. Another thing is the presence of predators that feed off these aphids. When there is supply, creatures that demand for this supply is sure to come. Some birds and also caterpillars are known to survive from feeding off aphids. This is perhaps Nature’s way of keeping things balanced in the ecosystem, so no creature dominates over other creatures.

You can also take action into your own hands and assist Nature in keeping these insects in check. Insecticides, which have been noted as effective in killing aphids are readily available in the market. It is your responsibility, though, to use the ones that will not harm your Leylandii hedges or any other tree or plant around. Effectiveness and safety should go hand in hand and not sacrifice one to get the other.

With the development of botany and horticulture, researchers are also coming up with Leylandii strains that can resist the attack of aphids. These variants should become available for the public once they are feasible to be marketed. Surely, this type of Leylandii trees will be a hit because it means less maintenance on the part of the owner.

It is almost impossible to say that the threat presented by aphids to Leylandii trees can be totally wiped out. But with the options available to you, you know you are empowered to act so as to prevent worse things from occurring.

Are you looking for more information regarding Leylandii? Visit http://www.stakehillnurseries.co.uk/44-leylandii today!

Are you looking for more information regarding Leylandii? Visit http://www.stakehillnurseries.co.uk/44-leylandii today!

Author Bio: Are you looking for more information regarding Leylandii? Visit http://www.stakehillnurseries.co.uk/44-leylandii today!

Category: Home Management
Keywords: leylandii hedges,prized leylandii,leylandii hedges turn