Question
I have an apple tree in my backyard (I think it's a golden delicious) it's mature
and it has this white/grey fuzzy masses of reddish brown bugs. Are they
aphids or something else and what can I do to get rid of them that is
organic?

Answer
Marshall

It sounds like you may have aphids in different stages of development or you are seeing male and female aphids.  The white you are seeing may be scale or aphids that have reached the end of life and are dehydrated as a result of dying.

In either case.  You have a nutritional problem with your tree.  All insects are attracted to this as it is a good reproductive environment.  This time of year its common to see these insects.  Its when they become a complete infestation is when the tree begins to decline.  They also create openings in the leaves which will invite bacteria, fungus and other pathogens to enter and manifest.

I have recommended a product alot on this site because I have used it and it works tremendously well.

Atomic Grow will clean this problem up for you and will bring your tree back to premium health standards.  It is a new product being tested by the University of Florida and is taking a foothold as a whole new way to solve these reoccuring problems as opposed to just killing everything with a toxic pesticide which does nothing for the tree.

atomicgrow.com
atomicgrow.net

Good luck
James