So what's occuring here then?

Yo gals and guys.
Does anyone know what this is? It has suddenly appeared on my little tree (salix). There are ants all over it , but what is the coating?? Thanks in advance

 

Looks like blackfly (aphids), NG. Try giving it a squib of soapy water.

 

Blooming eck, so much of it. Could I blast them with a hose, and spray the trunk with a spray of some sort?

 

That'd just spread them around You could try half-a-dozen ladybirds..within a week, they'd have laid eggs and the 'crocodiles' would polish the aphids off in no time!
Or spray with a contact insecticide

 

So its some soap in a spray bottle? I only have Fairy, or Imperial Leather

 

Fairy will do the trick I used to use it on client's infested roses when there was nothing else to hand....worked a treat!

 

Ok, thanks @noisette47
I assume its just a little squirt and then top up with water, and only spray the aphid coated section. I don't want to harm the lil tree, because its bloomin lovely .... literally.

 

Yes, just diluted detergent

 

Just out of interest......is something suppose to happen? . I did it over 2 days ago now, and it still looks the same .

 

Hi Northants Geezer, I don't know what the coating is but I'd put some rubber gloves on and rub the aphids and substance off with the washing up liquid.

 

I'd give it another go. Alternatively just squish them with your fingers.

 

Miraflores guess you don't want to hear what I do to slugs & snails.

 

Or me

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/slugs-slugs-and-more-slugs.114917/#post-1031804