Magnolias are the very epitome of natural charm. They’re hard to miss, with their majestic branches festooned with lush, glossy leaves and a crown of resplendent blossoms. And they perfume the Pennsylvania air with an intoxicating sweetness that many locals call the scent of home.
Sadly, every beauty has its beast, and for this illustrious tree species, the monstrous menace is the magnolia scale insect. Don’t worry; as West Chester’s trusted tree arborist, Rick’s PHC Certified Arborists know how to treat magnolia scale and keep your beloved trees safe from harm. Keep reading for everything you need to know about this tree pest, including how to beat it.
Know Your Foe: Magnolia Scale
Magnolia scale, scientifically known as Neolecanium cornuparvum, is a colossal pain. It’s a creepy-crawly terror but not your typical insect. Rather, it’s a type of soft scale, an insidious arthropod that clings to the branches of trees, quietly siphoning away at the life-giving sap.
By the time you spot them—the waxy bumps on the branches—it’s a clear sign they have already set up shop. Other symptoms to look out for include the following:
- Sticky leaves and branches due to honeydew excretion (a sugary liquid the pest produces)
- Yellowed foliage
- Branch die-back
- Sooty mold
What to Do To Help Your Trees Against The Dreaded Scale
Do you have an infestation on your hands? Learn how to treat magnolia scale with these tried-and-true countermeasures:
Manual Removal
Sometimes, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as rolling up your sleeves and showing these little devils the door yourself. With a soft brush and a bit of elbow grease, you can quite literally scrub these pests away. However, this route can be time-consuming, especially for larger infestations.
Pruning
By trimming off the infested branches, you can halt the spread of the scale to the rest of the tree. Just remember to dispose of these branches properly, or you might inadvertently build a bridge for the pest to another precious tree!
Horticultural Soaps or Oils
These are fantastic, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical insecticides. An application of horticultural soap or oil will suffocate the scale insects by clogging up their breathing tubes.
A Final Scale Solution: Chemical Insecticides
If you have a widespread infestation or the scale proves particularly resilient, chemical insecticides might be your last resort. These are potent concoctions designed to pack a punch. Use them sparingly due to the potential impact on beneficial insects and the environment.
Arborists typically recommend applying them in late summer, when the insects are still crawlers (juvenile stage) and not yet resilient to treatments. Do it at dusk to minimize the potential harm to bees and other pollinators.
Consult a Trusted Local Arborist in Pennsylvania Today!
Remember, while these magnolia scale strategies can indeed help, they do require a keen eye and a sure hand. Why not leave the task to trained professionals?
At Rick’s PHC Certified Arborists, we know how to treat magnolia scale and implement key preventative measures to protect your precious plants for years to come. Contact us at 610-840-2655 and say goodbye to scale insects forever!
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