Magnolia Scale Treatment - Ask Extension
Hi – we have a beautiful 20 year old, mature magnolia tree that this year was attacked by some type of insect and we are told it has magnolia scale....
Knowledgebase
Magnolia Scale Treatment #876151
Asked July 06, 2024, 8:32 PM EDT
Hi – we have a beautiful 20 year old, mature magnolia tree that this year was attacked by some type of insect and we are told it has magnolia scale. There is white patchy residue on many of the branches. We are looking for a chemical treatment to save the tree.
Delaware County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Kent, here are some fact sheets to read up on Magnolia Scale https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-61
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1803
As you can see from reading these two fact sheets, there is a lot going on with the magnolia scale. The best time to use a spray on the young crawlers is the August-September period. The scale crawlers are moving about and haven't settled in yet. The spray can remove a lot of them.
The other time to do something is to use a systemic application to the base of the tree at about the same time. You have to follow the directioins on the label. Use chemical proof gloves and mix according to directions on the label. It will give you the size of the tree and the amount to use to mix with water at the base of the tree.
You might even use the dormant summer oils on the scale. They are not chemicals that persist on the tree and you would have to apply the spray a couple of times to make sure you get them all sprayed.
You can also check with the OSU Extension Office in Delaware County during normal business hours. Bring in a fresh sample to show them what is going on with the magnolia. They can help you decide which application is the best for your situation.
Hope you get it under control. Don
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1803
As you can see from reading these two fact sheets, there is a lot going on with the magnolia scale. The best time to use a spray on the young crawlers is the August-September period. The scale crawlers are moving about and haven't settled in yet. The spray can remove a lot of them.
The other time to do something is to use a systemic application to the base of the tree at about the same time. You have to follow the directioins on the label. Use chemical proof gloves and mix according to directions on the label. It will give you the size of the tree and the amount to use to mix with water at the base of the tree.
You might even use the dormant summer oils on the scale. They are not chemicals that persist on the tree and you would have to apply the spray a couple of times to make sure you get them all sprayed.
You can also check with the OSU Extension Office in Delaware County during normal business hours. Bring in a fresh sample to show them what is going on with the magnolia. They can help you decide which application is the best for your situation.
Hope you get it under control. Don
