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magnolia scale #937289

Asked June 29, 2026, 11:01 PM EDT

My star magnolia bush has magnolia scale. I desperately need to know what to do now to save it. It happened last year and I tried to pick everyone of them off and spread some insecticide on the ground around the bush, but it has come back even worse this year. I am a member. I've included pictures below. Chris Carney<personal data hidden> <personal data hidden>

Carver County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.
These are very low resolution pictures--your camera should easily be able to take 3 MB pictures.
Nevetheless, this does appear to be magnolia scale which is common and devastating. 
https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=933539
https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/magnolia-scale-neolecanium-cornuparvum/

Treatment is difficult. This is the best information available. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/  Insecticides should be applied as directed on the product label and are harmful to pollinators in your garden. 
Arborists (see signature line) are licensed for other treatments. 
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions.  The University' garden soil tests are excellent.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied June 29, 2026, 11:09 PM EDT

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