The tree trunk is the main thoroughfare for many pests to attack fruit trees and the use of tree grease provides a simple and effective means of monitoring pest activity.
Pests such as the winter moth and the mottled umber moth invade fruit trees in late October to early December whilst the March moth invades in early spring.
The tree grease applied in autumn and renewed in febuary will trap female wingless adults, indicating the degree of infestation.