Magnolia Scale: Why Is My Magnolia Tree Covered in White Bumps?

Date June 07, 2022

Category

Author TreeNewal Staff

If you have a magnolia tree in your yard and it is covered in white bumps, do not panic yet! You may have Magnolia Scale. TreeNewal is here to help you figure out what to do about it. Magnolia Scale is a common pest that affects magnolia trees and can cause them to lose leaves, get distorted branches, and even die. But do not worry – with proper treatment and a little help from the tree care experts at TreeNewal, your magnolia tree can recover!

What Is Magnolia Scale?

Magnolia Scale is a type of insect that feeds on the sap of magnolia trees. They are small, round, and white, and they tend to cluster together on the branches of the tree. Magnolia Scale can weaken and even kill a magnolia tree if left untreated, so it is important to take action as soon as you see signs of infestation.

How Does This Pest Affect Magnolia Trees?

The scale insect sucks sap from the magnolia tree, which can weaken and kill the tree. Scale can also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts other pests and can cause sooty mold to grow on the leaves of the magnolia tree.

How Can I Tell If My Magnolia Tree Has Scale?

If you see small, round, white bumps on the branches of your magnolia tree, it is likely that you have Magnolia Scale. You may also see honeydew or sooty mold on the leaves of the tree. If you are not sure whether or not your tree has a scale, contact a professional for help.

How Do I Treat Magnolia Scale?

The first step in treating Magnolia Scale is to contact a tree care expert like TreeNewal. Our arborists will be able to assess the severity of the infestation and recommend a course of treatment. In most cases, we would recommend a combination of chemical and physical controls. This may include treating the tree with an insecticide and/or removing affected branches.

Physical Controls:

Prune out and destroy heavily infested branches.

– Remove and destroy scale crawlers from the tree.

Chemical Controls:

– Apply an insecticide to the tree, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to choose an insecticide that is specifically labeled for use against Magnolia Scale.

When Should I Treat My Magnolia Tree for Scale?

The best time to treat your magnolia tree for scale is in the spring before the scale insects have a chance to lay eggs. Treatment in the summer or fall may still be effective, so check with an ISA-Certified Arborist to be sure it will work for your situation.

How Can I Prevent Magnolia Scale?

The best way to prevent Magnolia Scale is to have your magnolia tree regularly inspected by a tree care expert. TreeNewal offers annual tree care plans that include regular inspections and treatments to keep your magnolia tree healthy and free of pests.

With proper treatment, your magnolia tree can recover from Magnolia Scale and go on to thrive! TreeNewal is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our arborists. We will help you create a custom tree care plan to keep your magnolia tree healthy and beautiful for years to come!

If you need advice or assistance with magnolia scale disease management, get in touch with the ISA-Certified Arborists at TreeNewal and enjoy tailored tree care advice.

To learn more about Magnolia Scale: Why Is My Magnolia Tree Covered in White Bumps?, call our Argyle and Southlake-based teams

at (817) 592-6846 or send us a message.

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