How Can I Protect My Amanogowa Cherry Blossom Tree From Blackfly And Ants In Spring?

Question

I bought the tree in 2023 and it produced the most beautiful blossom. I didn’t realise that blackfly would be such a problem the following Spring by feeding on the sap. This was followed by ants feeding on the blackfly presumably. I tried spraying it with a water and washing up liquid solution but it didn’t solve the problem. I ended up cutting bits of branches off altogether just to get rid of them. The show of blossom was not as impressive this year due to this. Hoping you can help as I want to be prepared for 2025. Thank you.

Answer 1

Blackfly are aphids and the ants feed on the sugary honeydew produced by the aphids. These articles should help you manage them:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/cherry/managing-black-cherry-aphids.htm

https://www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/cherry-blackfly