Knowledgebase

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/
An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2021, 10:07 PM EDT

Loading ...