Hello, Sandy! Thank you for your thoughtful question to Ask Extension/Ask a Master Gardener.

The most common scale on both Magnolia and Tulip Trees in Ohio are soft scale. This excellent article by Joe Boggs, Associate Professor and Ohio State Extension, gives explanation about Magnolia and Tulip Tree scale and describes management, including cultural, mechanical and insecticidal options.

Additional research-based articles are listed below.

Wishing you the best of luck with your trees.

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Resources for you:

Be Alert to Magnolia Scale – The Ohio State University Extension https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1803

Magnolia Scale – The Ohio State University Extension Ohioline https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-61

Tulip Tree Scale – Penn State Extension https://extension.psu.edu/tuliptree-scale

Magnolia and Tulip Tree Scale – Missouri Botanical Garden https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/insects/scale/magnolia-and-tuliptree-scale