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Magnolia tree leaves dying #876454

Asked July 09, 2024, 8:34 AM EDT

My large magnolia trees, about 35 years old, are being afflicted by a black tarry sticky substance which causes the leaves to shrivel and fall. This works its way from lower branches to upper branches. Perennials growing under the trees are afflicted with this, but so far the leaves are hanging on. Online was a suggestion to spray with a solution of 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar in one litre of warm water. I did this yesterday. Will this be effective at stopping it? What else can I do? I’d appreciate any help you can give me and thanks.

Windham County Vermont

Expert Response

Hi Connie,

Thank you for reaching out to the Extension Master Gardener Helpline with your question. The solution you are spraying will not be effective. This sounds like you are seeing magnolia scale and sooty mold from the pest.

Our plant pathologist has confirmed you will treat it in the fall with horticulture oil. The below article discusses this in greater detail:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/check_magnolias_for_magnolia_scale_now

I've included some additional extension articles below that provide more information on Magnolia Scale:

https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/magnolia-scale

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/

https://extension.psu.edu/differentiating-magnolia-scale-from-tuliptree-scale

Thank you,

Replied July 10, 2024, 12:49 PM EDT

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