The City of Grande Prairie is sharing information about increased aphid activity following a rise in service requests from residents concerned about affected trees.

Aphids are common insects that feed on plant sap and can reproduce quickly when conditions are favourable. This year’s rainfall has produced significant soft, new plant growth, creating ideal conditions for larger aphid populations.

While aphids can cause curled leaves and leave a sticky residue called honeydew on trees, vehicles, sidewalks and driveways, outbreaks are temporary and generally do not threaten an otherwise healthy tree. Aphids are not a reason to prune or remove a tree.

Aphid populations are naturally reduced by heavy rain, colder temperatures and predators such as ladybugs, lacewings and hoverfly larvae. As seasonal conditions change and predator populations increase, aphid numbers are expected to decline.

In the meantime, residents can manage aphids on privately owned trees and plants by spraying affected leaves and stems with a strong stream of water. This alone can significantly reduce aphid populations. For smaller plants, heavily infested growth may also be removed.

Growing a variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables and herbs helps create habitat for natural predators that feed on aphids. Broad-spectrum insecticides are discouraged because they can also harm these beneficial insects.

Residents are reminded that trees located along the front or side of a property may be boulevard trees owned and maintained by the City. Boulevard trees are part of Grande Prairie’s shared urban forest and may only be pruned or removed by City crews.

Before completing work on a tree, residents should confirm whether it is located on private property or within the City boulevard.

Questions about boulevard trees or other City-owned trees can be directed to AccessGP by calling 311 or emailing info@cityofgp.com. Residents do not need to submit a service request for aphids alone on an otherwise healthy tree.

Learn more about Grande Prairie’s urban forest at cityofgp.com/trees.