We've Got Bugs!

So I noticed a month or two ago that our nice big tree in our backyard had shiny leaves. I honestly don't know a whole lot about plants or trees, but I was pretty sure they weren't shiny last year. I left it at that and didn't think too much more about it.

I went out back the other day to put my girls in the swing set, which is partially under the tree. This is where I notice that the grass below my feet is a little sticky. Also there is a sticky build up on my girls' swings. Yuck!

So I get taking a closer look at my tree and the bottom branches are just not hanging right and the leaves look awful! I call my neighbor over to have a look and we notice little black bugs all over. Then we take an even closer look and see teeny tiny little white(ish) specs on the tops of the leaves. Like I said, I don't know a lot about plants. I honestly had no idea...

(See how the leaves look wet? And sticky? And those little whitish yellowish things?)

But I do now! They're called aphids. And they are sucking the life out of my tree! It's kind of like lice only for plants. Ewe! A lot of people think they only attack rose bushes but that's not true. And they are easier to control on rose bushes. My sister says she sprays them with a solution she bought to get rid of them. Someone else told me he puts something in the soil by his rosebushes and keeps them under control. I don't know if that would work with a big tree, too??

Anyway, I am glad I don't have to lose my tree. I was a little worried about it. Apparently all I have to do is spray it (with a good amount of water pressure) with a dish soap/water solution. This will definitely be a pain in the butt since this tree is monstrous, but like I said, at least I get to keep my tree.

So, beware the aphids! I definitely let mine get too bad before I took action. I will be more tree observant from now on!