My dodgy fruit trees

Hi All,

I've issues and tissues with my fruit trees. I'm a complete novice so forgive my ignorance.

I'll start with the pear. It appears to be growing plenty of fruit, however I can't imagine eating any of it as the tree looks like it's be dead and gone before it ripens. There are plenty of new shoots/ branches growing but they also are affected but the black stuff.

How much do I chop? What would I spray it with? and given the plum tree next to it is also struggling, could it put other trees at risk?

Thank you in advance :-)

Si

It looks like it's been attacked by aphids so maybe try giving the leaves a good wash with soapy water.

The leaves often curl hiding the critters on the underside so you will need to get the soapy water directly onto them. It works by stopping them breathing so you need to get a direct hit. I have a pump pressure sprayer. You need to put a teaspoonful of washing up liquid in a litre of water. If the infection is bad you will have to repeat it. It is time consuming but it works and is strangely satisfying as your hands get covered in dead green/blackfly