Removing a Tree with Magnolia Scale - Ask Extension
Hello! We have a tree in our yard that was unfortunately infested with scale (we believe calico or magnolia). We first realized it in the middle of la...
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Removing a Tree with Magnolia Scale #868194
Asked May 13, 2024, 1:04 PM EDT
Hello! We have a tree in our yard that was unfortunately infested with scale (we believe calico or magnolia). We first realized it in the middle of last summer, when the leaves turned brown and began to fall off (see first picture). We weren't able to do any sort of treatment last year and now this year it is completely dead (see second picture). We know we have to remove the tree, but have a couple of questions. The first is how/where are we able to safely dispose of a tree that was infested with scale? The second question is whether we are able to plant something new in that spot. Do we have to do anything to treat the area and/or do we have to wait a certain period of time?
Thank you!
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Scale only lives on live wood so disposing of it doesn’t need special precautions. It is also ok to burn it in a fire pit.
Replanting precautions would be don’t plant another magnolia and don’t use the same hole because there will be air pockets from the decaying stump and roots. Since your tree was not very big you won’t need to move very far to dig a new hole without roots in it.
Replanting precautions would be don’t plant another magnolia and don’t use the same hole because there will be air pockets from the decaying stump and roots. Since your tree was not very big you won’t need to move very far to dig a new hole without roots in it.
