What is wrong with Patton Pear Tree? - Ask Extension
There are odd marks on the branches of my Patton Tree. They are on so many branches that it caught my attention. Some of the branches have also curle...
Knowledgebase
What is wrong with Patton Pear Tree? #889289
Asked November 03, 2024, 9:39 PM EST
There are odd marks on the branches of my Patton Tree. They are on so many branches that it caught my attention. Some of the branches have also curled. I have attached photos.
This tree has not bloomed or provided fruit for 5 years. It is about 17 years old.
Please get back to me. This is the second time I am sending in the request. I assume I did something incorrect last time.
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
I am sorry to tell you that I believe your tree has armored scale. The only effective treatment for this insect is systemic and the timing is crucial to avoid killing bees. I suggest you have a certified arborist tackled this problem as if, left untreated, they will kill your tree. Here are a couple links. One about scales and the other on contacting a certified arborist. In that one, click on Find An Arborist and put in your zip code when prompted. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/scale-insects#using-pesticides-2669961 https://www.treesaregood.org/
Thank you for your response! We have already had 3 arborist to the yard. They were not fruit specialist. How do we find one of those? Secondly, we are currently spending the winter down South returning in April. Is that too late for treatment?
Lola
A certified arborist would be aware of treating scale on any type of tree. Take a look at the list provided to you through the Trees Are Good website and actually talk to them on the phone. Question them. If you have to use a systemic insecticide, it would not be used until after the blooms have dropped. However, any fruit that season should be destroyed.
