Unfortunately, you have Magnolia scale. It looks like you have a significant infestation. It’s not your neighbors fault.

Scale insects fly and your Magnolia was probably infested last year but there wasn’t enough damage to notice. Once it enters a neighborhood it can spread quickly. One of the first telltale signs is the honeydew that you see on the leaves. The fuzzy looking things are the adults.

Below is some information on Magnolia scale. The University has been watching this for years and have not found a final solution, but there are things that you can do to try to keep it at bay. 

You may want to call in a professional because if you choose to use pesticides, there are some that are better handled by them.now is the time, if you want to attack it yourself, to be spraying the shrub with horticultural or NEEM oil, and repeat in two weeks. 

Good.luck. I am fighting it myself on my beautiful Ann Magnolia. 

https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/trees-shrubs/not-obvious/magnoliascale.html

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/scale-insects

Thank you for identifying the problem, providing resources (links) so I could learn more and consider IPM methods.

Is there a resource list for recommended arborists? Or have  you found a reliable aroborist and tree trimming company to recommend?

Again, thanks, you have been most helpful!

Cathy Doyle

We don’t recommend individual companies but you can check Consumers Checkbook for tree care companies near you. You can access this digitally with your library card.

Below is our guideline for hiring a tree care professional. Be sure to ask them about their experience and success with Magnolia Scale and what their treatment is. They can give you a better idea of your likely success after seeing the tree/shrub.

https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional