My maple tree... is a b&*^%.

I live in a city where trees are scarce, and it's easily the 'best' and 'biggest' tree on the block; ie. I just canNOT cut it down.

However, the aphids create so much sap that even walking under the tree is uncomfortable.

Last year, I 'gave' in to using malathion - and it had no effect whatsoever. If it had dented the population I'd try it again as the amount of sap is even worse this year. We are talking quarter sized droplets hitting/staining the pavement!

Realizing that the pesticide was both ineffective and not possible long term, I had the tree thinned before it sprouted this spring.

This made no difference.

What's a girl to do? How can I attract ladybugs? Is there a soil treatment? The tree is tall enough that even with a ladder, I cannot treat the whole thing....

Thanks for any proven solutions :)

g