Tree Grease: An Eco-Friendly Barrier Against Crawling Pests

Understanding Tree Grease for Pest Control

Tree grease is a sticky, non-toxic substance applied directly to tree trunks to create a physical barrier. It effectively stops crawling pests from climbing up trees to feed or lay eggs, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

When to Apply Tree Grease

For the best preventative results, apply tree grease during late autumn or early spring. This timing is crucial as it prevents pests from ascending the tree to lay eggs at the start of the season.

An application during the summer can still be effective. It will stop new waves of pests from climbing the trunk, though it will not affect any that are already in the tree’s canopy. The barrier will at least prevent further infestations.

Tree Grease vs. Glue Bands

While pre-made glue bands are a quick option, tree grease offers several advantages:

• Protects Bark: Tree grease is applied directly and does not require wires, which can cut into and damage the bark over time.
• Reduces Waste: It eliminates the paper and plastic waste associated with disposable glue bands.
• Safer for the Tree: Unlike some glue bands, tree grease is generally free from harmful substances and does not leave sticky paper residue on the bark upon removal.

How to Apply Tree Grease

1. Select a Location: Choose a spot on the trunk approximately 50 cm (20 inches) above the ground. This height prevents it from getting covered by tall grass and keeps it away from pets or other non-target animals.
2. Apply the Ring: Using a spatula or a wide brush, apply the grease directly onto the trunk. Create a continuous, unbroken ring that is at least 10 cm (4 inches) wide.
3. Address Rough Bark: On trees with deeply fissured bark, you may need to gently smooth the application area first to ensure there are no gaps for pests to crawl under.
4. Improve Consistency: If the grease is too thick to spread easily, warm the container gently in the sun or in a bowl of warm water until it becomes more fluid and easier to apply.

Tips for Handling and Cleanup

Tree grease is extremely sticky. To make the process cleaner:

• Wear old clothing and disposable gloves during application.
• To remove grease from your hands, use dish soap or regular soap and scrub thoroughly.
• If grease gets on clothing, you can pre-treat the spot with cooking oil before washing. However, a stain may still remain.

Is Tree Grease Safe for Beneficial Insects?

Horticultural tree grease, often sold as “green tree grease,” is designed to be safe for non-target species.

• Beneficial Insects: The green color is generally unattractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. If they do accidentally come into contact with it, they are typically strong enough to free themselves.
• Birds: The grease is non-toxic. If birds peck insects from the barrier, they can easily wipe the sticky substance from their beaks.
• Important Distinction: Be sure to use horticultural tree grease, not general-purpose adhesive glues, which can be fatal traps for all types of insects and even small animals.

Which Pests Does Tree Grease Control?

This barrier is effective against a wide range of crawling pests that overwinter in the soil and climb trees to feed and reproduce. Common targets include:

• Winter moths
• Ants (which often farm aphids)
• Woolly aphids
• Codling moths
• Bark beetles

By creating a barrier, you prevent these pests and their larvae from reaching the buds, leaves, and fruit, protecting your harvest and reducing the pest population for the following year.