Deformed leaves

The below picture(which is not very clear) is from a River Birch. Does anyone know what causes the leaves to look like this and on the back side is this white sticky stuff.....we did see a couple of aphids on the underside of another leaf.

Thumbnail by Glory
Troy, VA(Zone 7a)

Glory it looks like scale insects to me. Here's a link for you!

http://www.healthylandscapes.com/tip-scale.html

The picture is to fuzzy to determine scale. If scale is the problem they will be on the underside of the leaf and you will see tiny yellow spots on the upperside of the leaf where they are sucking from underneath. Aphids definately cause deformity in the leaves. Aphids prefer the new tender growth and will be concentrated on the new growth causing the leaves to not develop correctly. You can spray them with insecticide or you can use a strong stream of water and remove them with your fingers. I have use both methods successfully though the latter will stain your fingers a little. :)

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