How to apply a grease band to a fruit tree

At this time of year, there is a risk that caterpillars of insects such as the winter moth will start climbing up the trunk and the stake, laying its eggs in the bark which will then hatch into caterpillars next spring. These will cause damage by eating foliage and fruitlets. One solution is to apply a grease band to the trunk of the tree, with another on the stake. Apply tightly, and then tie at top and bottom with an elastic type of twine to ensure that the insects cannot pass underneath the grease band. Make sure that there are no weeds around the tree that could provide an alternative route for the pests. Demonstration and narration by Dan Neuteboom, camera by John Paddy. Read more at realenglishfruit.co.uk

[@staceytroffer8287]

Omg I love this guy!!! Where has he been all my life!!!

[@paultrussy4243]

There be the voice and hands of experience. 10/10 👍

[@kassiscc1]

So in love with Dan! Thank John for putting him on camera!

[@RavenTreasures]

❤Thank you

[@pak56h]

Tying a tree with a sting like this does not let the trunk expand during growth. The portion under the grease band ends up significantly thinner than the rest of the trunk above. This creates a weak spot at the base of a tree. I did something similar and lost three fruiting trees to strong winds. They all snapped right where the banded portion was. So be careful with this technique.

[@DeryndaDiana]

Yes indeed, the less chemicals the better, good man!

[@kalidesu]

Screw nature, I don't wanna be poisoned. Thanks for the info.