Question
Jim,

Welcome back.  I live in Kingman, Kansas, which is in South Central Kansas (hardiness zone 6a).  I am very interested in planting a tulip poplar tree, but I am a little concerned about the danger of aphids and tulip tree scales.  I have been told by my local extension office that because there are not a lot of tulip poplar trees in this part of Kansas, there is very little chance of an aphid infestation.  I was also told by Sooner Plant Farm that they have not had any trouble with aphids or scales on the tulip trees in North Eastern Oklahoma.  In addition, Tom Alonzo, an expert in tree seeding and propagation said that he knows some people who have tulip poplar trees growing on their properties in Kansas, and as far as he knows they have not had any problem with aphids either.
Well, I was pretty much convinced that I was safe to plant a tulip tree, when I noticed that many of the questions about tulip poplar trees that you have answered have dealt with aphid or scale infestations.  
So I guess I want the assurance from a tree expert that I should be safe to plant a tulip poplar tree in SC Kansas without fear of an aphid or scale infestation.  I know that aphids and scales usually attack a tree when it is stressed due to extremes in climate or growing conditions.  Aside from using a 10-10-10 fertilizer and making sure it has the right amount of water and mulch, is there anything else I can do to help prevent an infestation of aphids or scales on the tulip poplar tree that I plant in my backyard?

Thank you,
Tim

Answer
Since the experts near you have not seen any problem with aphids or scales in that area I would go with their judgement. IF you want the tree go ahead and plant it and care for it as you described. IF down the road you do see any scales or aphids they can easily be treated with a soil applied insecticide that will last the season long. But based on what you have said I would not expect any problems. Stress can cause aphid infestations so keep the tree growing well.  Imidacloprid (Bayer Advanced Garden Tree and Shrub Insect Control) is a newly available systemic insecticide that can provide scale and aphid control on trees.