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For instance, would something strong smelling planted under a plum tree stop the maggots, would garlic planted under a pear stop the orange rust fungus, or can something have the same effects by hanging them in pots from the branches

Grease bands are for preventing bugs climbing the fruit trees.

I'd like to use up something I already have, would smearing Vaseline over the trunk do the same job or maybe wrapping cellotape around it with the sticky side out would do the trick.

My experience and reading tells me that these plantings don't really work in trees - I have never seen an orchardist - organic or otherwise - use them. Plant products like garlic can be made into sprays that deter bugs etc.

This chap has some very interesting suggestions, plus there's a link to a previous page. I've not looked at it in detail but he explains the benefits of each companion plant so you might find what you require.

https://chriscondello.wordpress.com/201 ... es-part-2/

That looks good thanks

I was having a look at the tree that has some blossoms on already and I've found that the cat has been using it as a scratching post, well, the trunk isn't that thick and the weather has been rainy recently, so the pest problem might turn out to be a moot point if the trunk rots with something. If only he could make do with the sofa and the wallpaper :/

Apparently cats don't like the smell of lemons, so you could try lemon-rinds or spraying juice.

Those super-power water pistols work a treat on cats, too.