magnolia - Ask Extension
Hello -
What's your take on magnolia trees in this area?
I would like to plant a magnolia tree but hesitated after hearing about the pervasive issue...
Knowledgebase
magnolia #900632
Asked May 08, 2025, 2:01 PM EDT
Hello -
What's your take on magnolia trees in this area?
I would like to plant a magnolia tree but hesitated after hearing about the pervasive issue of scale.
I don't like to spray with pesticides. Do you know of a way to naturally prevent scale?
I'm undecided because I've seen magnificent varieties around town that seem to have no issues.
Thank you in advance for advising.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
I think if you can give it full sun and the water it needs to thrive and there aren’t many magnolias nearby it would be worth trying. If no magnolia trees are nearby there will be none to spread scale to yours. Scale is spread by wind, birds, and flying insects.
https://northerngardener.org/plant-profile-magic-magnolias/
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/
Magnolia scale is a pest that tends to attack a tree when it is nearly mature and really lovely. I have not seen very many old magnolia trees except at the arboretum.
I would carefully weigh the cost and effort against probable heartbreak in 15-20 years.
https://northerngardener.org/plant-profile-magic-magnolias/
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/
Magnolia scale is a pest that tends to attack a tree when it is nearly mature and really lovely. I have not seen very many old magnolia trees except at the arboretum.
I would carefully weigh the cost and effort against probable heartbreak in 15-20 years.
