Scales on magnolia tree - Ask Extension
Hello
We have had scales on our magnolia tree for the last few years. We have been treating the tree with Neem Oil which doesn’t seem to be helping...
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Scales on magnolia tree #766595
Asked August 09, 2021, 5:45 PM EDT
Hello
We have had scales on our magnolia tree for the last few years. We have been treating the tree with Neem Oil which doesn’t seem to be helping. It is dripping much sap and attracting many bees. We are very concerned and don’t want to loose our tree. Many branches on the inside of tree have scales on them. Can you recommend a spray that might kill these scales or a tree spraying company that specializes in killing them. I have attached 2 photos. One showing the leaves on the inside of tree that have black spots on them and the other with scales on the inside branches.
Thank you for your advice
Kathy severson
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
The black spots on the leaves are probably sooty mold that forms on honeydew excreted by the scales. Bees, wasps and other insects feed on the honeydew.
The following publication discusses things that can be done to control magnolia scale. Persistence and good timing are needed to succeed.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/
The following publication discusses things that can be done to control magnolia scale. Persistence and good timing are needed to succeed.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/