Mongolia tree sap - Ask Extension
I have a Mongolia tree in my yard. This year we noticed it did not bloom like it usually does. Now we are having a large amount of sap coming from the...
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Mongolia tree sap #871572
Asked June 04, 2024, 4:17 PM EDT
I have a Mongolia tree in my yard. This year we noticed it did not bloom like it usually does. Now we are having a large amount of sap coming from the tree. I did some research and found that it was Mongolia scale and I noticed we do have that on our tree. Just wondering what the best treatment would be to try and save the tree
Gratiot County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Yes, I agree that you have magnolia scale on this tree. Treating scale effectively relies on proper timing of the product that you use. Your best option at this point is to wait until sometime in August to spray with a product that contains bifenthrin, carbaryl, cyflulthrin, horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, malathion, or permethrin. You will begin to see the immature insects begin to emerge from under the armor you see now. Initially, they cover themselves with a white waxy protective coating, but later in August (it may be a little earlier this year), this coating begins to break down and the insects are more vulnerable to the spray. You will need to spray again a few weeks later. If it is a very heavy infestation, and you are doubtful you eradicated the scale, you may also want to do some dormant oil early next spring before the buds open or wait until May and use a root drench product containing imidacloprid. Here is a good article that explains it very well. Always read the label to find a product that is appropriate for magnolia scale, and follow the directions.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/
I hope this is helpful.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Ruth
Yes, I agree that you have magnolia scale on this tree. Treating scale effectively relies on proper timing of the product that you use. Your best option at this point is to wait until sometime in August to spray with a product that contains bifenthrin, carbaryl, cyflulthrin, horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, malathion, or permethrin. You will begin to see the immature insects begin to emerge from under the armor you see now. Initially, they cover themselves with a white waxy protective coating, but later in August (it may be a little earlier this year), this coating begins to break down and the insects are more vulnerable to the spray. You will need to spray again a few weeks later. If it is a very heavy infestation, and you are doubtful you eradicated the scale, you may also want to do some dormant oil early next spring before the buds open or wait until May and use a root drench product containing imidacloprid. Here is a good article that explains it very well. Always read the label to find a product that is appropriate for magnolia scale, and follow the directions.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/
I hope this is helpful.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Ruth
We have been having along of bees on the tree. Any ideas on how to treat them?
Brett
On Jun 5, 2024, at 8:59 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hello,
The scale exudes a sweet substance that attracts ants and wasps. This is called honeydew, and when it gets on leaves, black sooty mildew can form.
Magnolia scale is treatable- I attached information about how to treat it in my previous reply. The tree is not too far along, from what I can see, and is treatable.
Ruth
The scale exudes a sweet substance that attracts ants and wasps. This is called honeydew, and when it gets on leaves, black sooty mildew can form.
Magnolia scale is treatable- I attached information about how to treat it in my previous reply. The tree is not too far along, from what I can see, and is treatable.
Ruth
Sorry to keep bugging you on this. The last few days we have noticed a lot of the leaves are starting to turn brown, probably anbout half of the leaves on the tree and there is a lot more scale that seems to be bigger then when we first talked.
Is this normal or is it a sign of something else.
Thank you.
Brett
On Jun 26, 2024,
We have been having along of bees on the tree. Any ideas on how to treat them?Also How would I know if the tree is to far gone and not worth saving?
Brett
On Jun 5, 2024, at 8:59 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hello,
My first response to you described how to treat this scale infestation. Treatment should start in August as indicated. You may be seeing the leaves turning dark due to the honeydew (secreted by the scale insect) growing mildew and becoming black.
If you do not think you are going to be able to treat the tree yourself, I recommend consulting an arborist who has equipment to cover the entire tree. Find one here:https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
They would also be able to tell you whether the tree is treatable or if too much damage has already been done. Usually this insect is treatable, and the tree recovers.
Ruth
My first response to you described how to treat this scale infestation. Treatment should start in August as indicated. You may be seeing the leaves turning dark due to the honeydew (secreted by the scale insect) growing mildew and becoming black.
If you do not think you are going to be able to treat the tree yourself, I recommend consulting an arborist who has equipment to cover the entire tree. Find one here:https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
They would also be able to tell you whether the tree is treatable or if too much damage has already been done. Usually this insect is treatable, and the tree recovers.
Ruth
