Magnolia issues - Ask Extension
I have had a Magnolia bush/tree growing in my yard for over 10 years and this year I notice that the bark has a black coating on it, the center of man...
Knowledgebase
Magnolia issues #866048
Asked April 26, 2024, 8:15 PM EDT
I have had a Magnolia bush/tree growing in my yard for over 10 years and this year I notice that the bark has a black coating on it, the center of many stems have a black center when cut and there are brown bumps on the bark. Are these issues a concern and is this plant worth saving? Please advise. Thank you.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
I am sorry but I believe your magnolia has Scale. Scale insects are extremely hard to kill. Your tree is so far gone that a soil drench will probably have to be used besides topical spray at the proper time. Please go to this web site and open the drop down box which contains Magnolia Scale. Depending on the size of your tree, you may have to have an arborist do the spraying. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/scale-insects
Hello Barbara,
Thank you for the information. I think I would just like to get rid of the tree.
Do I need to take any precautions in disposing of it or can I just put it in my yard waste barrel?
Thank you.
Rolf Anderson
My understanding is that there is no problem putting the wood in your brush disposal. However, if it were me, I would spray horticultural oil directly into the container after I put the wood in it. Then close the cover to keep it from dispersing.
