Cottony maple scale on our Linden trees - Ask Extension
We have noticed a white bumpy scale on the branches and twigs of our linden trees. The young tree in the front yard is especially infested while the ...
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Cottony maple scale on our Linden trees #368163
Asked October 06, 2016, 8:48 AM EDT
We have noticed a white bumpy scale on the branches and twigs of our linden trees. The young tree in the front yard is especially infested while the more mature back yard trees are just beginning to show the white bumps. Will this harm our trees? What can we do? While walking around our town we notice many trees with this scale.
McLeod County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for the question. This looks like cottony maple scale. It can affect linden trees as well and can be a challenge to treat but you might not have to. Natural enemies usually keep the pest in check nor do severe infestations typically persist into the next year. Trees that are healthy to start with don't usually suffer damage to their overall health.
Having a certified arborist come out and evaluate the health of your trees might give you peace of mind and determine if your trees are healthy overall.
Here's our publication on the subject of scale: http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/scales/soft-scales-deciduous/index.html
How to hire a certified arborist: http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/how-to-hire-a-professional-arborist/
Thank you for contacting Extension.
