Black Sooty Mold on Hackberry: Controlling the Aphids and Scale Behind It

The Real Culprits

The black fungus on your hackberry's leaves, fence, and nearby plants is sooty mold growing on honeydew excreted by aphids or scale insects feeding in the canopy.

Effective Control for Large Trees

Spraying a mature hackberry is impractical. Use a systemic soil drench:

• Product: Bayer Advanced 12-Month Tree & Shrub Insect Control (imidacloprid).
• Timing: Apply early spring as leaves emerge.
• Method: Mix per label, pour around base. Roots transport insecticide to foliage.
• Duration: One application protects all season.

Sanitation Helps

Rake and destroy fallen leaves and fruit each year to reduce overwintering pests and disease spores.

Product Link

Bayer Advanced 12-Month Tree & Shrub Insect Control