Troubleshooting
Common Lime problems — and how to fix them
Common Lime (Tilia x europaea) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Lime aphids (Eucallipterus tiliae) and honeydew
Dense aphid colonies coat leaves and deposit sticky honeydew below the canopy, causing sooty mould on parked cars and paving. This is the most common complaint with street-planted limes. Natural predators help; insecticide applications to large trees are rarely practical.
Basal suckers
T. × europaea produces prolific root and stem suckers that must be removed regularly, or they disfigure the trunk and compete with the crown. Remove by pulling or pruning flush to the trunk or root in late summer.
Gall mites (Eriophyes tiliae — nail gall)
Red, finger-like nail galls protrude from the upper leaf surface. Disfiguring but not harmful to tree health. No treatment required. More pronounced on stressed trees.
Prevent common lime problems before they start
Most common lime issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Common Lime problems — FAQ
Why is my common lime lime aphids (eucallipterus tiliae) and honeydew?
Dense aphid colonies coat leaves and deposit sticky honeydew below the canopy, causing sooty mould on parked cars and paving. This is the most common complaint with street-planted limes. Natural predators help; insecticide applications to large trees are rarely practical.
Why is my common lime basal suckers?
T. × europaea produces prolific root and stem suckers that must be removed regularly, or they disfigure the trunk and compete with the crown. Remove by pulling or pruning flush to the trunk or root in late summer.
Why is my common lime gall mites (eriophyes tiliae — nail gall)?
Red, finger-like nail galls protrude from the upper leaf surface. Disfiguring but not harmful to tree health. No treatment required. More pronounced on stressed trees.