Hackberry Trees Dripping Honeydew: Aphid Infestation and Pool Chemical Damage

Sticky Deck and Yellowing Hackberries? Aphids + Pool Water = Double Trouble

Hackberries secreting sticky honeydew with yellowing, blackening leaves are infested with aphids. Pool drainage chemicals (chlorine, algaecides) exacerbate stress, causing leaf yellowing and decline.

Action Plan

1. Control aphids: Soil-applied systemic insecticide (imidacloprid or dinotefuran) under the canopy. Water in well. Tree transports it to leaves.
2. Stop pool water contamination: Divert drainage away from tree root zones. Splash-out is negligible; pumped waste water is toxic.
3. Monitor recovery: Honeydew stops once aphids are controlled. Sooty mold weathers off.
4. Fertilize lightly if growth is poor after aphid control.

Why Systemic?

Large trees can't be sprayed effectively. Soil drench provides season-long control with minimal non-target impact.

Address both issues simultaneously for best results.