My prune tree has tons of aphids in the leaves (also a lot of ladybugs to eat them but I am not sure the ladybugs will win out). Do I need to try to rid the tree of the aphids? If so how?
The question of whether to control aphids in your prune tree really depends on how bad the infestation is and if the tree is otherwise healthy enough to outgrow them. Often infestations like aphids are a symptom of a larger problem. The tree may be stressed out by root competition from grass or too much or not enough water, too much or not enough nitrogen. A stressed out tree is attractive to aphids, who in turn attract lady bugs.
My own mature prune tree gets covered in aphids every year. The leaves get distorted, and lady bugs come in droves. Some years I get a good harvest and some years I do not. I choose not to worry about it (I have other plants to fuss over). But if you feel the need to do something, see the HortSense website from Washington State University.