Frequently Asked Questions

What is horticultural glue? It is a sticky non-drying glue made from natural gum resins, vegetable oil and wax.

How many trees will it cover? Manufacturers recommendations vary as to the width of application, from wide to multiple narrow glue beads. Tree Guard Glue in a tub will cover approximately 12 tree trunks that measure about 30 cm in diameter, depending, of course, on your skill in applying it with a spatula and the amount you use per tree. It should be applied as a wafer / paper thin smear around 10 cm wide. Tree Guard Glue in a tube will cover approximately 15 to 20 trees with a narrow glue band delivered via the squeeze tube.

Do I need to band the tree prior to applying the glue? This is highly recommended especially for young, thin-barked trees and smaller trees. Citrus is known to have particularly sensitive bark. Citrus trees are often killed by applying substances such as axle grease to their bark. By banding you protect the tree and lengthen the life of the glue. In addition, re-application or removal is far easier. You can use Green Harvest Tree Wrap. Some fissured bark trees will require a filling in order to plug any gaps between the wrap and the trunk. The goal is to force the crawling pest onto the banding / glue and prevent their access into the canopy.

Why are there still ants in the tree? They may be trapped and will soon die, or they may have found a way to bypass the glue. Check you have removed branches touching the ground or nearby trees and that there are no gaps underneath the tree banding material. For bad infestations apply Eco-oil.

How long will the glue stay effective? It does not dissolve in rain and its active ingredients last for up to 6 months or until it is covered with insects or dust. Banding the tree first, extends the glue's effectiveness because it stops the oil component being absorbed by the tree bark and so stops the glue from drying out.

Will the glue run in extremely hot weather? This is possible and the best recommendation is to apply a wafer thin layer. The thicker the application the more likely the glue will run down the trunk when temperatures reach into the high 30's.

Why is this product which is considered an organic control technique not available to gardeners in Victoria? Warning to Victoria In December 2019 Victoria updated its legislation pertaining to cruelty to animals. They have added Regulation 62: Sale, use or setting of glue traps that can trap an animal is banned. Sale, use or setting of a glue trap for the purposes of capturing an insect is only permitted where the trap has a cage, or is of a design, that prevents an animal contacting the adhesive surface. While we await for products to enter the market meeting this regulation we have blocked sales of this range into Victoria. Consider using exclusion products to keep the pest out.

You can find information on Organic Citrus Care here. Citrus Care Tips
Protect your trees from most citrus pests and the ants farming them. Mealy bug, scale and black sooty mould can be controlled so you get the delicious, home grown citrus you expect.
Predalure: Bring on the Good Bugs for true natural pest control.
Tree Wrap: To band the tree prior to applying the glue and make it easier to clean off or reapply glue if necessary; this horticultural clear tape is slightly elastic and 25 mm x 50 m.