If you have magnolia trees on your property, now is a good time to take a close look at the branches. Magnolia scale is one of the more damaging ornamental pests in Alabama, and summer is when infestations become most visible and most problematic. Catching it early makes a real difference in what treatment looks like.
The signs to watch for: white or pinkish waxy bumps along the branches, a sticky, syrupy residue dripping from the tree (called honeydew), and a dark sooty mold forming on the leaves or surfaces below the canopy. That mold is actually a secondary fungus feeding on the honeydew. By the time you see heavy mold buildup, the infestation is usually well established.
Magnolia scale spreads easily from tree to tree through crawlers, the mobile early-stage insects that travel on birds, wind, and equipment. A single untreated tree can become a source for surrounding plants. ACE's Integrated Pest Management approach looks at the full picture: identifying the life stage, timing treatment appropriately, and selecting methods that target the pest without unnecessary collateral impact.
If you've noticed anything unusual on your magnolias this season, that's worth a professional look before the infestation gets ahead of you. Questions? Reach out at acetreebham.com. Do you have magnolia trees on your property? Have you noticed any unusual buildup on the branches or a sticky film on surfaces below?
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Close-up photo of magnolia scale on a branch, showing the white waxy bumps. Alternatively, a photo of a magnolia tree with visible sooty mold on leaves. Authentic field photos from a job site are ideal.
Canva text suggestion: "Magnolia Scale: Know the Signs Before It Spreads" or "Protecting Birmingham's Trees from Pest Damage"