I have a Silver Princess Gum growing in my front yard protected from the wind and frosts and facing North. It doesn't receive much rain due to the situation it is in. The leaves and trunk seem to be getting attacked by something. There are a lot of black spots on the leaves, the trunk is losing it's bark and the brand new leaves are being eaten by something. I have seen some tiny black insects approximately the size of aphids but very black. Do you have any idea what these might be and if they might be the cause of the problems with the tree. The tree is only two years old.

Thank you

Janet

Could you tell us where you are (if you're in Australia or NZ facing north will have a different significance) and are you able to post any pictures of the spots and pests? Your location may also make a difference to what pests and diseases occur in the area.