Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Look for tiny insects on the undersides of the leaves.
- Check for ants, as they often farm aphids for their honeydew.
- Feel the leaves for a sticky, shiny residue.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the undersides of leaves and new growth. The leaves may look shiny or sticky from the honeydew they produce.
What to do: Spray the tree with a strong stream of water from a garden hose to knock the aphids off. For heavier infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, ensuring you coat the undersides of the leaves.
Scale insects
PossibleHow to tell: These look like small, immobile bumps on the stems or leaf veins. They also produce honeydew and can cause yellowing leaves.
What to do: Scrape off small infestations with a soft brush or fingernail. Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season to smother any remaining eggs.
Find out what's wrong with your black poplar
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
A few aphids are normal and will be managed by beneficial insects like ladybugs. Worry only if you see significant leaf curling or stunted growth.
Stopping it coming back
Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to visit your garden by planting diverse flowers nearby.
Black poplar: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black poplar and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Do I need to use harsh chemicals?
- No. Start with water sprays or insecticidal soap, which are much safer for the environment and beneficial insects.
- Why are ants all over my tree?
- Ants are likely there to feed on the honeydew produced by the aphids. They will actually protect the aphids from predators, so you need to remove the aphids to get rid of the ants.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Black poplar
- Why does my Black poplar have yellow or orange spots?
- Why is my Black poplar dropping its leaves?
- Why are my black poplar leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my black poplar's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my black poplar drooping?
- Why is my black poplar showing signs of root rot?
- Why is my black poplar growing leggy?
- Why are my black poplar leaves curling?
Back to the Black poplar guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.