Magnolia Scale
Bumps along stems and sticky substance on the leaves of magnolia are indications magnolia scale has infested your tree.
These insects feed on twigs and branches, removing large quantities of plant sap. They excrete the excess as a clear sticky substance called honeydew. Branches completely covered by scale insects can be weakened and even killed.
Remove small infestations by pruning out the few scale-infested stems. Treat heavier infestations with lightweight horticulture oil. This organic option will not harm our essential pollinators. Spray the tree when the immature scale, called crawlers, exit the shell-like covering to find a place to begin feeding. These tiny red crawlers usually appear between late August and early October. Be sure to read and follow label directions.
A bit more information: You can also apply horticulture oil in fall before freezing weather arrives and in early spring to kill the overwintering stage of this pest. Or spray the tree with dormant oil in late March before the buds open and when temperatures are above 40 degrees.
Related
Audio
Audio
Categories
Upcoming Webinars & Appearances
Oct. 14-16
NARI Milwaukee
Home & Remodeling Show
Oct. 26
Webinar: Year-round Perennial
Garden Maintenance
Nov. 2
Webinar: Boosting the Beauty of
and Propagating Houseplants
June 3 – 11, 2023
“Castles & Gardens” Adventure in Ireland with Melinda Myers
Includes the Bloom Festival in Dublin!
CLICK HERE for more information on Melinda's 2022 Wisconsin State Fair presentations on
Affordable Food Gardening
CLICK HERE for pollinator gardening webinars, videos & DIY projects
Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND
Learn More
Book an Appearance
Enter to Win
a Corona Tools
Hori Hori Knife!
