You may ask, what is that green tape around the trunks of some of our fruit trees? It is green flagging tape with a thin layer of a product called Tree Tanglefoot. Tree Tanglefoot is used to create a barrier against climbing insects. In our case, we are trying to keep ants off the tree.

Ants will harm our fruit trees in two ways:

One, they will farm aphids. This symbiotic relationship exists because the ants use excretions from the aphid to feed their young. They will become very aggressive protecting their food source and attack preying insects like lady beetles. The ants will move the aphids around the tree so they will be more productive. Aphids are not a good insect on our fruit-bearing trees. They suck the sap that will inhibit or retard growth and, if left untreated, could kill the tree. Eliminate the ants and predators have a better opportunity to do their job and kill off the aphids.

Two, the ants may attack the blooms on the tree that could result in premature flower drop, reducing fruit production. They may also find their way into the fruit resulting in contamination and rotting.

The flagging tape will stretch and not girdle the tree trunk. The tape will eventually disintegrate from exposure and the Tree Tanglefoot will become ineffective over time. The tape and the barrier product will need to be replaced as required.

Come out to the garden and watch the frustrated ants trying to get

across the Tanglefoot barrier. While you are there, take a minute to

enjoy the peace that the garden has to offer. If you listen carefully you

can hear the garden whispering “God Bless You”.