Cherry tree verses ant farms

Can anyone tell me how to stop the black aphids destroying my cherry tree leaves this year? The ants set up a farming community last year and it suffered greatly, this yeat I want to stop them before the leaves come out.

mrs Chopper

 

I've no idea how to help Mrs C, but bumping it back to the top for you to see if someone can help you.

Steve...

 

Hi Mrs C,

Greasebands would stop the ants going up, it won't stop the aphids as they fly but it'll give the ladybirds a chance to eat em if the ants aren't protecting them.