Chinese Elm

[Cody]

What works for insecticides as a preventative ? I have read a lot not to use systematics. Any favorite ones you see that work well ? Also for fertilizer. I'm using a 7.9.5 and I'm curious if this will be an ok one for summer ? I live in zone 6a ( I think check profile to be sure)
I apologize for so many questions I an quite new to growing bonsai only 6 month. Thank you all for helping myself and many alike !

 

[discusmike]

Neem oil,summer oil would probalbly be the safest without serious pesticides,alot of disease control products kill off beneficial bugs,then your problem gets worse,been there n it takes time for everything to get back to normal,be careful

 

[Cody]

Neem oil,summer oil would probalbly be the safest without serious pesticides,alot of disease control products kill off beneficial bugs,then your problem gets worse,been there n it takes time for everything to get back to normal,be careful

Is neem oil safe ? I've read that it will kill off all foliage? I have some but I have not used any yet until further advice from otherschool that are more experienced then me ! Thank so much!

 

[sorce]

I totally smashed an aphid yesterday...

It stuck To my finger, still moving....

So I handfed it to a Lady bug larvae!

Cool!

Sorce

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I have used neem oil extensively on many trees and have yet to see any negative impact... though it is rather smelly.

You can also try pyrethrins - an organic insecticide that has literally been used for centuries. It might not have 100% kill rate, but insects hate it. It has a very high knock-down and is effective for flushing grubs out of turf. It doesn't smell as bad as neem oil though it definitely still has an odor.