Lilac trees - Ask Extension
We have three lilac trees which are seeping sticky sap constantly and have white mold growing all over the branches. We're not sure what to do to hel...
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Lilac trees #873689
Asked June 18, 2024, 6:16 PM EDT
We have three lilac trees which are seeping sticky sap constantly and have white mold growing all over the branches. We're not sure what to do to help the trees. Please advise, thank you.
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi,
Sorry but that photo is not in focus. I suspect insects sucking it but I need good pics. Could you send a pic of the sap and also of the mold?
Thanks,
Barb
Sorry but that photo is not in focus. I suspect insects sucking it but I need good pics. Could you send a pic of the sap and also of the mold?
Thanks,
Barb
I hope these pictures are clearer. Thank you.
Hi, yes, those are good pictures. The leaves seem to look normal and I don’t see any insects although I am just seeing small parts of the trees. I have forwarded your pictures onto an arborist who is a friend of mine and I will let you know what he says.
Hi,
From my arborist: your tree is a magnolia, not a lilac, and that is magnolia scale "which is at epidemic proportions locally. I have had more calls about it this year than ever before. Treatment can be challenging and, unfortunately, no quick remedies at this point in the life cycle."
Here's a good article about it so you can read about it and possible treatment options:
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/
Let me know if you have any other questions,
Barb
From my arborist: your tree is a magnolia, not a lilac, and that is magnolia scale "which is at epidemic proportions locally. I have had more calls about it this year than ever before. Treatment can be challenging and, unfortunately, no quick remedies at this point in the life cycle."
Here's a good article about it so you can read about it and possible treatment options:
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/
Let me know if you have any other questions,
Barb
